In the last five years, the demand for food in the U.S. has shown a sustained rise. This was reflected in the increase in imports, going from $53.2 billion in 2017 to $63.5 billion in 2021, reflecting a growth of 19 percent.
During this period, one of the most favored countries with the highest U.S. demand was Peru. Purchases of fruits, vegetables, and grains went from $2.04 billion in 2017 to an estimated $3.23 billion in 2021, reflecting a growth of 58 percent, as reported by Agraria.
At the same time, Peru went from being seventh place in the ranking in 2017, to third place in 2021, a position that it retains for the third year.
In 2021, grape imports in the U.S. totaled 680,162 tons for $2.073 billion, 2 percent more in volume and 10 percent more in value compared to the previous year. The main suppliers were Chile with a 38 percent share (3 percent less than the previous year), Peru with 32 percent (4 percent more), and Mexico with 27 percent (3 percent less).
Blueberry imports in the U.S. in 2021 reached 310,097 tons for $1.904 billion, 14 percent more in volume and 22 percent more in value compared to the previous year. The largest suppliers were Peru with 34 percent (3 percent more than the previous year), Canada with 26 percent (2 percent less), and Mexico with 21 percent (3 percent more).
Asparagus imports to the North American market totaled 294,364 tons for $751 million, 11 percent more in volume and 4 percent more in value compared to the previous year. The main suppliers in the U.S. were Mexico with 67 percent (3 percent more than the previous year), and Peru 32 percent (3 percent less).
In 2021, avocado imports in the U.S. totaled 1.19 million tons for $3.003 billion, 7 percent more in volume and 18 percent more in value compared to the previous year. The main suppliers were Mexico with 89 percent (1 percent less than the previous year), Peru with 7 percent (similar to the previous year), and the Dominican Republic with 3 percent (similar to the previous year).
