US Avocado Imports by Country: Top Avocado Importers & Buyers in USA
Explore US avocado imports and learn about leading avocado importers & buyers in USA with verified data on avocado imports to US by country.
In recent years, avocados have become a staple in the American diet. With their creamy texture and unique flavor, they have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers and food enthusiasts alike. The United States is one of the largest importers of avocados in the world, with millions of pounds of the fruit entering the country each year. According to the US import data and the Avocado import data of USA, the total value of US avocado imports reached a record high of $3.87 billion in 2024, a 26% increase from the previous year. The US imported avocados at a total quantity of 1.21 million metric tons in 2024, as per the USA shipment data. The total value of USA avocado imports accounted for $1.32 billion in the first quarter of 2025. As per the global trade data, the US is the largest avocado importer in the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the US avocado imports in 2024-25, including record volumes, top importers, and imports by country.
Record Volumes of US Avocado Imports
The demand for avocados in the United States has been steadily increasing over the years. In 2023, the US imported a record volume of avocados, with over 2 billion pounds of the fruit entering the country. Experts predict that this trend will continue in 2024-25, with even higher volumes of avocado imports expected. The growing popularity of dishes like avocado toast, guacamole, and avocado salads has contributed to the increase in demand for avocados. Additionally, the perceived health benefits of avocados, such as their high levels of healthy fats and vitamins, have also driven up consumption.
US Avocado Imports by Country: Where does the US Import Avocados from?
Avocados have become a staple in American diets, with their creamy texture and nutrient-rich properties making them a favorite among health-conscious individuals. But have you ever wondered where the avocados consumed in the US come from? US avocado imports by country provide valuable insight into the origin of avocados entering the U.S. market. Mexico stands out as the leading supplier, accounting for over 90% of avocados imported by the United States. Other significant sources include countries such as the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Chile. The major countries from where the US imports avocados, as per the US avocado imports by country and US shipment data for 2024-25, include:
1. Mexico: $3.49 billion (1.06 million tons)
Mexico is by far the largest supplier of avocados to the US, accounting for a staggering 90% of all avocado imports, as per the data on US avocado imports from Mexico. With a total value of $3.49 billion and 1.06 million tons of avocados exported to the US, Mexico's dominance in the avocado market is undeniable. The favorable climate and large-scale avocado plantations in Mexico make it a prime location for avocado production.
2. Peru: $191.78 million (65.89 thousand tons)
Peru is another significant player in the US avocado import market, supplying $191.78 million worth of avocados in 2024-25, as per the data on US avocado imports from Peru by HS code. With 65.89 thousand tons of avocados exported to the US, Peru's contribution to the avocado supply chain is not to be underestimated. The high-quality avocados produced in Peru are prized for their taste and texture, making them a popular choice among American consumers.
3. Colombia: $98.51 million (42.48 thousand tons)
Colombia may be more well-known for its coffee production, but it also plays a role in supplying avocados to the US, as per the data on US avocado imports from Colombia. With $98.51 million worth of avocados exported and 42.48 thousand tons shipped to the US, Colombia's avocado industry is growing steadily. The diverse range of avocado varieties grown in Colombia ensures a consistent supply of avocados throughout the year.
4. Dominican Republic: $70.28 million (36.82 thousand tons)
The Dominican Republic is another key player in the US avocado import market, with $70.28 million worth of avocados exported in 2024-25. With 36.82 thousand tons of avocados shipped to the US, the Dominican Republic's tropical climate provides an ideal environment for avocado cultivation. The proximity of the Dominican Republic to the US also ensures fresh and timely delivery of avocados to American consumers.
5. Chile: $21.32 million (5.56 thousand tons)
Chile may be located far south of the US, but it still manages to supply a significant amount of avocados to American shores. With $21.32 million worth of avocados exported and 5.56 thousand tons shipped to the US, Chile's presence in the avocado market continues to grow. The unique climate and growing conditions in Chile produce avocados that stand out for their exceptional flavor and quality.
6. New Zealand: $317K (91 tons)
New Zealand may be a small player in the US avocado import market, but it still manages to make a notable contribution. With $317K worth of avocados exported and 91 tons shipped to the US, New Zealand's avocado industry is gaining recognition for its high-quality produce. The limited supply of New Zealand avocados makes them a sought-after delicacy among American consumers.
7. Mongolia: $200K (74 tons)
Mongolia may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of avocado production, but it is carving out a niche in the US avocado import market. With $200K worth of avocados exported and 74 tons shipped to the US, Mongolia's emerging avocado industry shows promise for growth. The unique growing conditions in Mongolia produce avocados with a distinctive flavor profile that appeals to adventurous consumers.
8. Jamaica: $124K (51 tons)
Jamaica may be known for its vibrant culture and stunning beaches, but it also plays a role in supplying avocados to the US. With $124K worth of avocados exported and 51 tons shipped to the US, Jamaica's avocado industry is a testament to the country's agricultural diversity. The tropical climate in Jamaica ensures a steady supply of avocados that are enjoyed by American consumers looking for a taste of the Caribbean.
List of Top Avocado Importers in USA: US Avocado Importers Database
The List of Top Avocado Importers in USA provided by the US Avocado Importers Database is a valuable resource for businesses looking to connect with key players in the US avocado import industry. This database offers detailed information on reputable avocado importers, helping companies navigate the market with confidence. The top 10 leading avocado importers in the US, as per the US avocado importers data and US import by company, for 2024-25, include:
|
Rank |
Company Name |
Approx. Import Value (2024) |
Top Import Sources |
|
1 |
$2 billion |
Mexico, Peru, Chile |
|
|
2 |
Calavo Growers |
$1.7 billion |
Mexico, Chile, Colombia |
|
3 |
West Pak Avocado |
$600 million |
Mexico, Peru |
|
4 |
Index Fresh |
$400 million |
Mexico, Colombia |
|
5 |
Del Rey Avocado |
$300 million |
Mexico |
|
6 |
Eco Farms |
$250 million |
Mexico |
|
7 |
McDaniel Fruit Company |
$200 million |
Mexico, Peru |
|
8 |
Fresh Directions Int’l |
$180 million |
Mexico |
|
9 |
Stonehill Produce |
$160 million |
Mexico, Chile |
|
10 |
Westfalia Fruit |
$150 million |
Mexico, South Africa |
US Avocado Imports in the Last 10 Years: Yearly US Avocado Import Data
|
Year of Imports |
US Avocado Import Value ($) |
|
2014 |
$1.63 billion |
|
2015 |
$1.70 billion |
|
2016 |
$1.99 billion |
|
2017 |
$2.72 billion |
|
2018 |
$2.44 billion |
|
2019 |
$2.86 billion |
|
2020 |
$2.54 billion |
|
2021 |
$3.13 billion |
|
2022 |
$3.38 billion |
|
2023 |
$3.08 billion |
|
2024 |
$3.87 billion |
|
2025 quarter 1 |
$1.32 billion |
Types of Avocado Imports into the US in 2024 (by HS Code & Form)
|
Type of Avocado |
HS Code |
Form |
Import Value (2024) |
Approx. Share |
|
Fresh or dried avocados |
0804.40.00 |
Whole, fresh (mostly Hass) |
$3.74 billion |
96.6% |
|
Frozen avocados |
0811.90.8080 |
IQF (individually quick frozen) |
$65 million |
1.7% |
|
Prepared/Preserved avocados |
2008.99.9090 |
Guacamole, mashed, purees |
$55 million |
1.4% |
Notes & Insights:
-
Fresh avocados (HS code 08044000) dominate US imports, as per the US fresh avocado imports data by HS code, accounting for over 95% of trade value, primarily due to the popularity of fresh Hass avocados used in guacamole, avocado toast, etc.
-
Frozen and prepared avocados are growing segments due to increasing demand for convenience foods and foodservice/retail products with longer shelf lives.
-
Avocado oil, though a small fraction of total imports, is gaining popularity in the U.S. for culinary and cosmetic uses.
Major Supplying Countries by Type (2024):
-
Fresh avocados: Mexico ($3.49B), Peru ($192M), Colombia (~$98.5M), Dominican Republic, Chile
-
Frozen/Processed: Mainly imported into the US from Mexico, Peru, Chile, and some from European processors of Latin American produce.
-
Avocado oil: Sourced from Mexico, Kenya, South Africa, and New Zealand.
US Avocado Import Numbers & Origins
-
From July 2023–June 2024, U.S. imports of Mexican Hass avocados reached over 2.4 billion pounds, fueling $7.5 billion in U.S. economic output and supporting more than 42,000 American jobs.
-
In calendar year 2023, U.S. avocado imports hit a record 1.26 million metric tons (~2.78 billion pounds), marking an 11 % year-over-year increase.
-
Fresh‑Fruit‑Portal data through early 2025 shows weekly imports of around 1,600 containers/trucks, with a 3 % growth from the prior week; Mexico still supplies a dominant 90 % share.
Supplier Breakdown
-
Mexico remains the powerhouse: 88–90 % of U.S. imports originate there. In 2024 alone, Mexico shipped 1.07 million metric tons to the U.S., experiencing a slight 5 % drop from the previous year.
-
Secondary players include Peru (5.4 %), Colombia (rapid 170 % growth in 2024), Dominican Republic (3–4 %), and Chile.
Trade Value & Price Trends
-
Imported avocados totaled $3.87 billion in 2024, with an average price of $1.43 per pound.
-
In 2023, despite record volume (2.8 billion lbs), lower unit prices ($1.10/lb vs. 2022's $1.38/lb) resulted in an import value of $2.7 billion.
-
Seasonal price fluctuations peak between April–August (Mexico’s slow season), offering opportunities to suppliers like Peru and Colombia.
What’s Driving the Surge of US Avocado Imports in 2025?
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Exploding U.S. Demand: Per capita avocado consumption rose from sub‑1 lb in the 1970s to today’s 9 lb per person. Health trends, diverse cuisine, and marketing efforts (like “Avocados From Mexico”) helped drive this demand.
-
Efficient Licensing & Seasonality: Mexico's year‑round supply via Hass cultivation and U.S. ports like Pharr and Laredo (handling 98 % of Mexican avocados) undergirds reliability. Seasonal dips during summer and winter align with demand cycles like Super Bowl seasonality.
-
Economic Value: Imports not only fill grocery shelves but support U.S. wholesalers, transport, retail, & farming communities. Every $1 spent on Mexican Hass imports reportedly generates $2.13 in U.S. output.
Bans, Suspensions & Biosecurity Challenges
1. Inspection Halt Amid Violence: US Suspends Avocado Imports (June 2024)
USDA inspectors in the Mexican state of Michoacán were attacked and briefly detained near Paracho, triggering a suspension of inspections for avocados and mangoes. Hence, the US halts avocado imports from Mexico in 2024. While in-transit fruit wasn't blocked, new shipments awaited resumed inspection, raising concerns around supply slowdowns and higher prices. Inspections gradually resumed under improved security in late June.
2. Withdrawal of USDA Inspectors (Late 2024)
In late 2024, USDA removed its inspectors from Mexican orchards entirely, citing cartel-related threats, breaking a nearly three-decade arrangement established in 1997. Between Oct 30, 2024, to Mar 11, 2025, over 150 pest interceptions were reported, compared to zero in the 10 preceding months. The California Avocado Commission has been vocal, warning of invasive pests (like seed weevils) threatening California’s $1.5 billion domestic industry.
3. Tariffs & Deforestation Pressure
While a threatened 25 % Mexico tariff was briefly paused ahead of Super Bowl 2025, it contributed to higher prices (10–20 %). Separately, environmental groups have advocated banning avocado imports tied to deforestation in Mexico, highlighting ethical sourcing concerns.
What It Means for Stakeholders
|
Stakeholder |
Implications |
|
U.S. consumers |
More avocados imports to US, at lower costs, until supply disruptions hit; but rising concerns over pests and ethics. |
|
U.S. growers |
Domestic industry at risk from imported pathogens; farms in California urge stricter bio-controls. |
|
Importers & retailers |
Must balance cost, quality, biosecurity, and sustainability while navigating tariffs and reputational risk. |
|
Mexico’s producers |
Face security challenges, environmental scrutiny, and regulatory shifts amid cartel influence. |
Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
-
Mexican avocado shipments to the US are projected to grow 5% in 2025, potentially reaching 1.34 million metric tons.
-
Colombia and Peru are positioned to fill seasonal gaps. Colombian imports ballooned ahead of Super Bowl 2025, up 350% YoY.
-
Domestic production rebounded in 2024 (to 197,070 tons, a 53% increase) but remains a small fraction (6%) of demand.
Final Takeaways
U.S. avocado imports are at record-breaking levels, with roughly 2.8 billion pounds entering the market in 2023–24 from Mexico alone. That trade supports jobs, supply chains, and consumer demand, but it’s now mired in a complex web of safety, biosecurity, environmental, and trade challenges. The coming years will test how well the U.S. and Mexico can secure supply chains, rebuild inspection frameworks, and ensure sustainable sourcing, all while meeting America's growing taste for that perfect green fruit.
Conclusion and Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, the US avocado market is poised for continued growth in 2024-25. With record volumes of avocado imports expected, consumers can look forward to a wide variety of avocados from different countries. Mexico is expected to remain the top importer of avocados to the United States, but other countries such as Peru and Chile will also play a significant role in the market. Overall, the future looks bright for avocado lovers in the US, with plenty of delicious and nutritious fruit to enjoy.
We hope that you liked our insightful and data-driven blog on US avocado imports 2024-25. For more such US trade trends or to search live US avocado import data by country, visit USImportdata. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in to get a verified list of the top avocado importers in the US, along with a customized database report on US export-import data, as per your business needs.
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