NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD News) — U.S. vegetable supplies still depend heavily on imports for some products, but that reliance is far from uniform. USDA’s latest outlook says imports accounted for about one-third of total U.S. vegetable availability in 2025, with much sharper dependence in a few key categories.
For fresh vegetables, Mexico supplied about 77 percent of imports and Canada about 13 percent. Tomatoes and cucumbers remained heavily import-dependent, while lettuce continued to rely mostly on domestic production.
Fresh vegetable availability, excluding potatoes, reached 148 pounds per person in 2025. That was nearly 3 pounds above the previous year, supported by higher production and lower exports.
Processing vegetable availability also moved higher. USDA estimated 102.7 pounds per person in 2025, up 7 percent from 2024, with tomatoes, sweet corn, and snap beans all showing year-over-year gains.
Potato availability slipped 2 percent to 112 pounds per person, while dry pulse availability rose 13.4 percent to 12.6 pounds per person. USDA said import dependence remains product-specific rather than broad across the sector.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Reliance on vegetable imports remains uneven, with domestic production still anchoring several major categories.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Imported lean beef continues to play a critical role in U.S. hamburger and ground-beef production, with any added volume from Argentina serving as a supplement — not a market overhaul.
October 27, 2025 11:51 AM
·
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.
October 27, 2025 11:41 AM
·
R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard joins Market Day Report for his insight on the USDA’s plan to strengthen the U.S. beef industry.
October 24, 2025 01:28 PM
·
Until a phased reopening is inked, plan for tighter feeder availability, firmer basis near border yards, and continued reliance on domestic and Canadian sources.
October 24, 2025 11:42 AM
·
Sen. Roger Marshall explains which types of beef are imported into the United States, how there’s room for new imports, and logical reasons for current high prices.
October 23, 2025 12:10 PM
·
Record Australian exports and rising U.S. imports reflect continued tight domestic cattle supplies — a reminder that herd recovery remains key to balancing future beef prices.
October 23, 2025 11:56 AM
·
