Which Countries Export the Most Fruit in the World? (Summer Fruit Exports)

Which Countries Export the Most Fruit in the World?

(Summer Fruit Exports)

In 2021, the value of U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable exports to global markets reached $7.2 billion, representing a 4% increase compared to the previous year. Due to geographic proximity and favorable climate conditions, Canada remained the largest export market for the United States, accounting for 52% of total exports, valued at $3.7 billion. Mexico ranked second, receiving 14% of U.S. exports, while no other market accounted for more than 6% of total exports.

U.S. strawberries recorded the strongest growth, driven by an additional $68 million in exports to Canada, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia. U.S. apples experienced the second-largest increase, with exports rising by $62 million, mainly due to higher shipments to Mexico, Taiwan, and Canada. In contrast, U.S. grape exports experienced the largest decline, falling by $61 million compared to 2020.

Which Countries Experienced the Largest Declines?

The largest declines were recorded in South Korea, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. Exports of fresh fruits and vegetables to China remained unchanged. However, exports to Mexico saw a significant increase of $110 million. Apples, pears, peaches, citrus fruits, table grapes, and cherries continued to account for nearly half of total U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable exports.

Key Export Drivers

What Are the Top Fruit Export Commodities?

The leading fruit export commodities included apples, grapes, oranges, strawberries, and cherries, which together accounted for $3.1 billion in exports. Their primary markets included Canada, Mexico, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.

What Are the Top Vegetable Export Commodities?

The leading vegetable export commodities included lettuce, potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions/shallots, and cauliflower, generating a combined $1.1 billion in exports. The primary markets for these products were Canada, Mexico, and the European Union.

In June 2019, India imposed a 20% retaliatory tariff on U.S. apples, increasing the total tariff rate to 70%. This tariff remains in effect.

Looking Ahead

U.S. apple production is expected to decline due to weather-related crop damage in Washington and Michigan. However, production in Washington, the country's largest apple-producing state, is forecast to improve. Increased supply is expected to boost exports, particularly to key markets such as Mexico and Canada.

U.S. table grape production is projected to recover modestly, exceeding 900,000 metric tons. Despite improved supply, exports are expected to decline as shipments to most major markets decrease.

U.S. orange production is forecast to fall by 11%, reaching a record low of 3.6 million metric tons, primarily due to poor fruit set in California and continued declines in acreage and yields in Florida caused by citrus greening disease.

Outlook

With declining production, exports are also expected to decrease. Increased cherry production is projected to boost exports and end the three-year downward trend. Emerging growth markets for fresh fruits and vegetables include the Dominican Republic, Kuwait, and Peru.

Over the past decade, fresh vegetable exports have continued to grow, supported by strong shipments to Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. In contrast, fresh fruit exports have declined from their 2013 peak, largely due to lower exports and production of grapes, apples, and oranges.

Which Fruits Do You Think Are Exported the Most?

Are you eating an apple right now? Do you enjoy mangoes?

One of the current global trends is the growing demand for tropical fruits, creating significant opportunities for tropical countries. According to the Oxford Business Group, demand from Western markets such as the European Union and the United States has increased considerably in recent years. This growth is driven by the rising popularity of healthy lifestyles and healthier eating habits.

Health-conscious consumers increasingly prefer fresh, organic fruit over processed or frozen alternatives, making tropical countries ideal locations for large-scale fruit cultivation. This trend can also benefit local communities, provided that sustainable and responsible land management practices are followed.

Which Countries Export the Most Fruit in the World?

Which Countries Export the Most Fruit in the World?

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