U.S. total imports of avocados were up 15% by volume but down 11% in value in 2018.
Trade statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that the total value of U.S. avocado imports totaled $2.35 billion, down from $2.64 billion in 2017. By volume, U.S. imports of avocados reached 1.04 million metric tons, up 15% from 900,200 metric tons in 2017.
The USDA said Mexico accounted for 87% of the total volume and 88% of the total value of U.S. avocado imports.
U.S. imports of Mexican avocado grew 17% by volume but shrunk 11% in value in 2018, according to the USDA.
Peru was the second leading avocado supplier to the U.S., accounting for 8% of the value and volume of U.S. imports.
Chile ranked as the third most important avocado supplier, representing 3% of both volume and value of U.S. imports.
Source: Tom Karst, The Packer