August 2023 Sees a Modest Rise to $243M in U.S. Vegetable Imports
U.S. Vegetable Imports
In August 2023, the amount of vegetables imported into the United States declined slightly to 174K tons, remaining relatively unchanged against July 2023 figures. Over the period under review, imports saw a abrupt descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in October 2022 when imports increased by 39% against the previous month.
In value terms, vegetable imports expanded slightly to $243M (IndexBox estimates) in August 2023. In general, imports continue to indicate a pronounced curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in October 2022 when imports increased by 26% against the previous month.
Imports by Country
Mexico (95K tons), Canada (51K tons) and Peru (8.3K tons) were the main suppliers of vegetable imports to the United States, with a combined 89% share of total imports. Guatemala and Honduras lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 3.4%.
From August 2022 to August 2023, the biggest increases were in Honduras (with a CAGR of -0.4%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline.
In value terms, the largest vegetable suppliers to the United States were Mexico ($107M), Canada ($64M) and Peru ($36M), with a combined 85% share of total imports. Guatemala and Honduras lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 4.7%.
Honduras, with a CAGR of +0.6%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline.
Imports by Type
Fresh vegetables, nes (31K tons), carrots and turnips (21K tons) and watermelons (19K tons) were the main products of vegetable imports to the United States, with a combined 41% share of total imports. Asparagus, cucumbers and gherkins, cabbage and other brassicas, cauliflower and broccoli, garlic, chilies and peppers (green), lettuce and chicory, green beans, mushrooms and truffles, leeks and other alliaceous vegetables, spinach, eggplants (aubergines), onions and shallots and melons lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 59%.
From August 2022 to August 2023, the biggest increases were in watermelon (with a CAGR of +4.6%), while purchases for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.
In value terms, the most traded types of vegetables in the United States were asparagus ($54M), mushrooms and truffles ($33M) and fresh vegetables, nes ($25M), with a combined 46% share of total imports. Garlic, green beans, carrots and turnips, cauliflower and broccoli, chilies and peppers (green), lettuce and chicory, cabbage and other brassicas, spinach, cucumbers and gherkins, leeks and other alliaceous vegetables, watermelons, eggplants (aubergines), onions and shallots and melons lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 54%.
Import Prices by Country
In August 2023, the vegetable price stood at $1,402 per ton (CIF, US), rising by 4.7% against the previous month. Over the period from August 2022 to August 2023, it increased at an average monthly rate of +1.8%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in June 2023 an increase of 17% month-to-month. The import price peaked in August 2023.
Prices varied noticeably by the country of origin: the country with the highest price was Peru ($4,278 per ton), while the price for Costa Rica ($777 per ton) was amongst the lowest.
From August 2022 to August 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Peru (+8.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.
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