U.S. fresh strawberry exports increased to a record 351.5 million pounds in 2024, up 20% over the previous year, and worth $570.3 million.

While imports declined, their weight and value still far outpaced that of American shipments to foreign countries, according to a new USDA report.

Strawberries were the third most valuable fresh fruit export for the U.S., behind only apples and grapes and ahead of oranges and cherries.

Canada was the top destination for exported fresh strawberries, though shipments to Mexico have increased in recent years.

Processed strawberry exports, mostly frozen fruit, make up about 8% of the total U.S. strawberry exports. Almost all frozen strawberries were headed to Mexico, Canada, Japan and South Korea.

The USDA Economic Research Service’s Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook was released March 27, before President Donald Trump’s sweeping announcement of additional tariffs on April 2.

The California Strawberry Commission didn’t respond to a request for comment regarding this article by deadline.

Imports still high

Imported fresh strawberries into the U.S. declined less than 1% in 2024, hitting 585.4 million pounds.

While that breaks a five-year streak of increasing import volumes, it’s still near 2023’s record high of 588.6 million pounds.

Fresh strawberry imports were valued at $1.17 billion.

Mexico supplies 98% of the fresh strawberry import volume to the U.S., and its production is expected to rise in 2025 due to domestic and export demand, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.

Processed strawberry imports were valued at $373.4 million in 2024.

More production expected

USDA NASS reports strawberry production data for two major-producing states — California and Florida.

California accounts for about 90% of U.S. production, with shipments peaking in May or June.

Domestic shipments from California increased year-over-year for 2024.

Based on overall shipments from California, domestic strawberry production was expected to be higher in 2024 than 2023. The USDA will release its annual production estimate for strawberries in May.

Monthly grower prices for fresh market strawberries were higher year-over-year from May to December, but were lower in January 2025 than the previous year.

Data from the California Strawberry Commission indicates that the Golden State’s strawberry acreage is expected to increase in 2025, continuing an upward trend.

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service reported that strawberries grew well during a warm and wet February in California.