Imported Mexican Produce Prices are Higher though Volume is off a Little

Imported Mexican Produce Prices are Higher though Volume is off a Little

Fall hurricanes and recent drought combined with other factors have reduced some fresh produce volume in Mexico in recent months, but the value of U.S. imports from the country continues to climb. 

U.S. imports of Mexican fresh vegetables in 2023 totaled $8.5 billion, up 7% from 2022 and 13% higher than 2021, according to USDA data. For 2023, the USDA reported Mexico accounted for 69% of the value of U.S. fresh vegetable imports.

By selected commodity, U.S. imports by value of Mexican fresh vegetables (with percent change from 2022) were: 

  • Tomatoes — $2.7 billion, up 10%.
  • Peppers — $1.5 billion, up 7%.
  • Cucumbers — $805 million, up 14%.
  • Other fresh vegetables — $756 million, up 14%.
  • Lettuce — $497 million, down 13%.
  • Cauliflower and broccoli — $438 million, up 8%.
  • Squash — $408 million, up 1%.
  • Onions — $403 million, down 1%.
  • Asparagus — $360 million, down 1%.
  • Beans — $129 million, up 17%.
  • Celery — $87 million, up 9%.
  • Eggplant — $83 million, up 8%.
  • Carrots — $81 million, up 15%.
  • Cabbage — $61 million, up 3%.
  • Peas — $47 million, up 43%.
  • Garlic — $40 million, up 13%.
  • Radishes — $30 million, up 12%.
  • Okra — $13 million, up 3%.

U.S. imports of Mexican fresh and frozen fruit topped $9.8 billion in 2023, up 3% from 2022 and 12% higher than 2021. Mexico’s share of U.S. fresh and frozen fruit imports was 49% in 2023, trade numbers show. 

By selected commodity, U.S. imports by value of Mexican fresh and frozen fruit (with percent change from 2022) were: 

  • Avocados — $2.7 billion, down 5%.
  • Berries (excluding strawberries) — $2.6 billion, up 4%.
  • Strawberries (fresh or frozen) — $1.3 billion, up 6%.
  • Citrus — $855 million, up 7%.
  • Grapes — $833 million, up 26%.
  • Mangoes — $476 million, up 1%.
  • Melons — $447 million, up 10%.
  • Bananas/plantains — $204 million, down 9%.
  • Pineapple — $43 million, down 14%.