Decline of fresh produce exports

United States

Tuesday 11 May 2010

NAD

Europe is an important market for Florida citrus but the demand exceeds supplies.

Exports of fresh produce from United Stated are in decline in European markets.

Exports to the 27 member states of the European Union declined 3.3% for fresh fruit and 8.9% for fresh vegetables from January 2005 through December 2009, according to a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture report.

Fruit exports to the European Union totalled $180 million in 2009, vegetable exports equalled $44 million.

“In citrus, it is up to us to get the crop, but the demand exceeds supply right now,” said Mr McEvoy, Director of global affairs for Seald Sweet International.

U.S. exports to all countries increased by 174% from 1979 to 2009, totalling $107 billion in 2009. In contrast, exports to the EU alone declined 24%, from $12 billion in 1979 to $9.2 billion in 2009.

“These statistics are striking in that they suggest that the broader trend for U.S. exports to the EU-27 is one of decline while EU-27 exports have benefited from the removal of market access barriers,” said USDA.

Source : The Packer.