Agronometrics in Charts: Strong global demand drives US fresh produce exports above $11B

Each week, the series ‘Agronometrics In Charts’ looks at a different horticultural commodity, focusing on a specific origin or topic, and visualizing market factors that are driving change. Check out our entire archive.

US fresh produce exports remained resilient over the past decade, holding strong through shifting market conditions and recovering quickly after the disruptions of 2020. According to data from the USDA, Canada led by a wide margin throughout the period, importing $5.15 billion in 2015 and rising to $5.80 billion by 2024. Mexico followed as the second-largest destination, reaching $2.31 billion in 2024, while Japan consistently remained above $1 billion in annual imports.

From 2015 to 2018, total exports stayed above $10 billion, supported by stable demand across North America and Asia. The only major decline came in 2020, when logistics challenges and pandemic-driven uncertainty pushed total exports below the $10-billion mark. Markets such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the European Union all contracted that year.

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.

(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Growth resumed in 2021. By 2024, South Korea reached $680.54 million, Taiwan $439.45 million, and the European Union $411.61 million. Mid-sized markets, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, each imported fresh produce valued at between $176 million and $217 million in 2024, reinforcing the role of diversified demand.

Overall, US fruit and vegetable exports ended 2024 above $11 billion, higher than at the start of the decade and supported by strong partnerships in North America and expanding engagement across Asia.

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