Mexico and Canada are the main suppliers of fresh vegetables for the U.S

In the United States, consumer demand for year-round availability of almost all fresh produce has resulted in increased imports of fresh vegetables, mainly from Mexico and Canada.

 

According to a recent report issued by the Economic Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture, Mexico and Canada are the main suppliers of fresh vegetables, excluding potatoes and pulses, to the US market.

 

In 2020, products from Mexico represented 77% of the total volume of US imports of fresh vegetables. Products from Canada represented 11% of the total volume imported. All other suppliers representing only 11%

 

The report has looked at the data since 2008 and highlights strong growth in volume and value of fresh vegetables imported from Mexico and Canada. According to the US Customs Service, peppers and cucumbers are the 3rd and 4th most imported commodities after bananas, tomatoes and pineapples. In this classification, after peppers and cucumbers, appear melons, grapes, avocados, watermelons and lemons.

 

 

While the majority of imports are of conventional and field-grown fresh vegetables, Mexican and Canadian growers offer products from protected crops and organic products, which expands the availability schedule and the interest of American consumers.