USDA predicts flat exports, big import growth

New U.S. Department of Agriculture agricultural projections to 2029 Tv forecast consistent growth in the value of U.S. fresh produce and nut crops but flat export sales.

The USDA predicts fresh produce exports will remain nearly flat for the next decade, while fresh fruit and vegetable imports will grow by 53% by 2029 compared with 2020.

The USDA projects that fresh fruit and vegetable exports will reach $7.4 billion by 2030, up only slightly from $7.3 billion in 2020. In contrast, the imports of fresh produce will grow from $23.4 billion in 2020 to about $35.9 billion by 2029.

Production growth
The USDA said total farm value of fruit, nuts, and vegetable production is projected to grow by roughly 2.6% annually over the next decade. The value of those crops will reach just over $66.4 billion by the calendar year 2029, up from $52.4 billion in 2020.

The USDA said fruits account for nearly 40% of the total value, with tree nuts representing 20% of value and vegetables 41%.