U.S. strawberries are in high demand globally with exports hitting record levels in 2024.
Last year, export totals reached 351 million pounds, a 20% jump from the previous year.
Canada was the top destination with shipments to Mexico also experiencing marked growth.
USDA says that the trend looks to continue this year.
“In the first two and a half months of the year, strawberry shippments were up in Florida. Florida produces strawberries during the winter and spring and typically accounts for 10% of domestic production,” according to USDA Research Economist Catherine Weber.
The other 90% of strawberries comes from California, where growers expect an increase in acreage this year.
Despite strong exports, our imports of strawberries are high, reaching a billion dollars last year.
Shaun Haney joined RFD News to discuss the potential impact of the Trump-Xi summit uncertainty, ongoing agricultural trade talks, and why geopolitical developments could carry important implications for farmers and global commodity markets.
