While exports to the U.S. still represent less than 2% of Australia’s total fruit and vegetable export volume, this small but active relationship that has seen significant shifts over the past three financial years.
Australian export volumes to the U.S. dropped from 8,618 tonnes in 2022 to 4,107 tonnes in 2023, before rebounding to 9,843 tonnes in 2024. At the same time, U.S. fruit exports to Australia—reflected as Import Volume (T) in the below chart—have steadily declined from 29,829 tonnes in 2022 to 26,858 tonnes in 2023, and then to 22,477 tonnes in 2024.
Mandarins have emerged as a key export category for Australia. After a dip to 1,543 tonnes in 2023, mandarin exports to the U.S. grew to 5,433 tonnes in 2024. Meanwhile, Australian imports of U.S. mandarins fell to just 751 tonnes in 2024, indicating stronger local supply. Oranges remain the most heavily imported fruit from the U.S., with volumes consistently above 9,000 tonnes, though Australian orange exports have been more volatile—dropping in 2023 before lifting again in 2024.
Trade in kiwifruit and table grapes continues to be one-sided, with Australia importing sizeable volumes from the U.S. and recording no exports in return. Table grape imports have steadily declined across the period, while kiwifruit imports spiked in 2023 before easing slightly in 2024. Pears show limited but consistent export volumes from Australia, with no imports reported, suggesting Australia maintains self-sufficiency in this category.
The U.S. currently plays a role in filling seasonal gaps when Australian-grown produce is unavailable. However, as Australian growers expand their shoulder periods and extend harvest windows, reliance on imported fruit is expected to continue declining.
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