Avocado market splits: US sees volume growth, Europe and China drive up prices

The international avocado market is giving mixed signals in early September, notes Avobook’s week 37 report. While shipments to the US saw a moderate increase, tight supplies and price surges drove Chinese and European imports down.

US avocado market welcomed 1,563 truckloads, a three percent increase from the previous week, and an 18 percent uptick year-on-year. Mexico remains the dominant supplier, accounting for 76 percent of total volume. Other suppliers included Peru (15 percent), California (eight percent), and Colombia (one percent).

While Mexico and Peru increased shipments by six percent and 24 percent, respectively, arrivals from Colombia and California declined, according to the report. Despite the volume increase, prices in the US have been on a downward trend since week 30. Larger fruit sizes saw price drops of up to 14 percent.

European demand drives prices up

In Europe, avocado imports surged, with 895 containers arriving in week 37, representing a 37 percent year-on-year increase. Peru took the crown as top supplier, providing 73 percent of the total volume.

However, European prices reacted sharply to the uptick in demand. In Rotterdam, prices for small sizes rose more than 40 percent. In Spain, medium-sized fruit prices climbed up to 30 percent.

The Chinese avocado market is low on arrivals

China received 26 avocado containers during week 37, down 24 percent from the same period last year. But, despite the volume drop, prices for larger sizes rose more than 50 percent, exceeding 2024 numbers for the first time since week 26.

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