Record US fruit and vegetable imports expected in 2022

US imports of fruits and vegetables are set for a record year, according to USDA data. Imports in both categories were higher in the first five months of 2022 than in the same period in 2021, which was itself a record-breaking year. The value of fruit imports to the US from January to May this year were up by 21 percent from $10.5 billion to $12.6 billion, while vegetable imports were up 9 percent from $7.6 billion to $8.2 billion. If the current growth rate is maintained for the rest of 2022, imports might even surpass $28 billion. Vegetable imports are projected to approach $19 billion.

Avocados have been one of the biggest growth drivers in the fruit category, surging by 34 percent to $1.5 billion. Table grapes also saw a big increase, up 21 percent to $1.5 billion, while lime imports rocketed by 38 percent and mandarin imports tripled.