Mexico remains the primary supplier of fresh horticultural products to the United States, according to data on trade flows. In 2023, the U.S. imported $20.2 billion worth of fresh horticultural commodities from Mexico, accounting for 61% of total imports. Canada followed at $5.9 billion (18%) and Chile at $1.8 billion (5%). Other suppliers included Peru, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras.
Vegetables comprised the largest category of U.S. imports from Mexico, valued at $11.4 billion, or 64% of all fresh vegetable imports. Tomatoes led with $2.7 billion, followed by peppers at $2.4 billion, cucumbers at $1.5 billion, and squash at $666 million. Berries also played a central role, with imports totaling $4.3 billion. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries together represented more than three-quarters of berry imports, with strawberries accounting for the remainder. Avocados reached $3.1 billion, making them one of the most valuable single products.
Seasonality continues to influence the trade relationship. Shipments of Mexican vegetables peak in winter and spring, aligning with lower U.S. domestic production. For berries, the Mexican season complements U.S. output, especially in early spring. Avocado imports also show strong peaks, closely tied to demand cycles in the United States.
U.S. imports from Canada are concentrated in greenhouse vegetables, especially tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. In 2023, greenhouse tomatoes alone accounted for $544 million of imports from Canada. Chile remains the primary source of table grapes, while Peru has gained market share in blueberries and avocados.
Overall, the share of Mexico in U.S. horticultural imports has expanded over the past decade. Between 2014 and 2023, Mexico's share of U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable imports rose from 53% to 61%. This trend highlights the country's role in supplying key products such as avocados, berries, and tomatoes, supported by logistics advantages and production scale.
For greenhouse growers, the data underline both the reliance of the U.S. market on imported horticultural products and the growing importance of Mexico in supplying these crops during periods when domestic production is limited.
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