US: Fruit import growth nearly ground to a halt in 2020

Total fruit imports into the U.S. in 2020 lost the momentum they had accumulated over the last decade, although there were gains for fresh citrus and frozen fruit, new USDA data shows. Imports under the 'Fruits and Preparations' category - which includes all fresh, frozen and processed fruit - rose marginally to $19.9 billion in 2020 from $19.8 billion in 2019. The minor rise comes in contrast to the significant and steady annual growth the category has seen since 2010, when imports were registered at $10.4 billion. The largest category, 'Other Fresh Fruit' - which includes avocados, bananas, and berries - held steady at $10.1 billion. Avocados dropped by 12 percent to $2.3 billion, bananas dropped by 2 percent to $1.9 billion, blueberries fell by 5 percent to $982 million, and strawberries declined by 2 percent to $819 million. Deciduous fruit imports also remained flat at $2.2 billion. Table grapes rose by 4 percent to $1.7 billion, but apples fell by 18 percent to $110 ...