The US Strawberry Industry: An Overview of Production and Trade
Yi Li, Jianhui Liu, A. Malek Hammami, yZhengfei Guan
This publication provides an overview of the US fresh strawberry industry, highlighting key trends in production, trade, and competitiveness. Fresh strawberries represent one of the most economically important specialty crops in the United States, with production valued at $3.3 billion in 2023. While domestic output has grown steadily—driven by California and Florida—imports, particularly from Mexico, have surged, shifting the United States from a net exporter to a net importer since 2012. It explores the structural challenges faced by US growers, including labor shortages, rising costs, and increasing foreign competition. It also discusses potential strategies for maintaining industry viability, such as mechanization, labor access, breeding innovations, and market differentiation. This analysis supports policymakers, trade analysts, and growers in understanding the evolving dynamics of the sector and identifying pathways for sustainable growth.
