Here’s an update on imported items arriving at ports on both the East Coast and West Coast of the United States.
Chilean avocado production this season is expected to increase a whopping 45 percent, estimated at 390 million pounds. Of this total, it’s estimate 100 million pounds will be exported to the United States, a significant increase over a year ago. For the 2014-15 marketing season, Chile had a total volume of 260 million pounds. Chilean avocados should start arriving at U.S. ports by September, with the best volume coming in by early October and continuing through March.
Chilean avocado imports have always had a strong following on the West Coast so volumes to this region are typically higher, although arrivals will occur at ports on both coasts.
Port of Long Beach imports, plus Southern California citrus, avocados, tomatoes – grossing about $4600 to Chicago.
South African Imports
Citrus imports from South Africa, as well as from Peru, are arriving in light to moderate volume, primarily at the Port of Philadelphia. Items range from clementines to oranges, tangelos and tangerines.
Avocado Imports
There is good volume with Chilean avocado imports arriving on both coasts, such as the Port of Long Beach and Port of Philadelphia.
South Florida Imports
There’s a lot of different imported produce items arriving at South Florida ports. However it is pretty light with commodities ranging from ginger to chayote, malanga blanca (yam) and clabaza (a large winter squash), among others.