In 2010, the United States shipped US$378.8 million worth of fresh strawberries around the world. That represents a 10.1% increase over 2009.
American consumers bought $219.3 million worth of imported fresh strawberries last year, up an even more impressive 43.2%.
The U.S. achieved an annual $159.5 million trade surplus in fresh strawberry shipments.
U.S. Fresh Strawberry Exports by Country
Below are the top 12 countries that consumed America’s fresh strawberries in 2010.
- Canada … US$317 million, up 12.1% from 2009 (83.7% of total exports)
- Japan … $28 million, up 8.3% (7.4% of total)
- Mexico … $11.4 million, down 10.6% (3% of total)
- France … $4.2 million, up 6.7% (1.1% of total)
- United Arab Emirates … $3.4 million, up 7.3% (0.9% of total)
- Hong Kong … $3 million, down 46.5% (0.8% of total)
- Saudi Arabia … $2.7 million, up 106.7% (0.7% of total)
- United Kingdom … $2.4 million, down 7.7% (0.6% of total)
- Taiwan … $1.2 million, up 27.6% (0.3% of total)
- Singapore … $988,778 up 27.7% (0.26% of total)
- China … $662,370 up 30.3% (0.2% of total)
- India … $534,338 down 22.4% (0.14% of total).
U.S. exporters were able to grow their strawberry sales to 8 of the above12 countries. The greatest export sales increase was to Saudi Arabia at 106.7%. Hong Kong was responsible for the most dramatic slowdown in American strawberry orders, with a 46.5% decline.
U.S. Fresh Strawberry Imports by Country
The U.S. imported fresh strawberries from only three countries during 2010. By far, Mexico was the number one supplier of imported strawberries sold to American consumers.
- Mexico … US$217.8 million, up 43.5% from 2009 (99.3% of total imports)
- Canada … $1.2 million, up 58.9% (0.6% of total)
- Peru … $267,170 down 33.8% (0.12% of total).
Canada grew its sales of fresh strawberries to the U.S. at a slightly faster pace than Mexico last year, albeit with a much smaller volume of product.
U.S. Fresh Strawberry Trade Balances by Country
The U.S. earns significant trade surpluses from its exported fresh strawberry sales with virtually all its trade partners. There was one exception: Mexico accounted for a $206.3-million American trade deficit in fresh strawberries in 2010.
- Canada … US$315.8 million surplus, up 12% from 2010
- Japan … $28 million surplus, up 8.3%
- Mexico … $206.3 million deficit, up 48.5%
- France … $4.2 million surplus, up 6.7%
- United Arab Emirates … $3.4 million surplus, up 7.3%
- Hong Kong … $3 million surplus, down 46.5%
- Saudi Arabia … $2.7 million surplus, up 106.7%
- United Kingdom … $2.4 million surplus, down 7.7%
- Taiwan … $1.2 million surplus, up 27.6%
- Singapore … $988,778 surplus, up 27.7%
- China … $662,370 surplus, up 47.8%
- India … $534,338 surplus, down 22.5%.
Otherwise, the U.S. accelerated its fresh strawberry cash surpluses from 9 of its top 12 fresh strawberry customers. This includes China.
If only the U.S. could increase its fresh strawberry exports to the People's Republic at the same rate that China is growing its manufactured product shipments to American consumers.
Then, America could make much-needed progress on its overall trade deficit.
Sources:
- Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook (accessed July 7, 2011).
- US International Trade Commission Trade DataWeb (accessed July 7, 2011).
Daniel Workman - A senior business and finance writer who also does French translations, notably international trade and insurance materials.
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