US papaya imports continue record growth

US fresh papaya imports reached a record 545 million pounds in 2025, according to the USDA Economic Research Service.

The volume was 10% higher than in 2024 and exceeded the previous record of 501 million pounds set in 2023.

The increase lifted estimated availability to 1.6 pounds per person, the highest level recorded and more than double the average in 2000–02.

Growth continued during the first five months of 2026, when imports rose 8% year on year. Higher shipments from Mexico more than offset lower supplies from Guatemala.

Mexico’s papaya acreage increased from just over 14,000 acres in 2010 to more than 20,000 acres in 2024. Around 99% of the country’s papaya exports are sent to the United States.

source: ers.usda.gov

photo: ars.usda.gov