Produce Market Trends for September
We revisited USDA data to identify the top 10 commodities transported by reefers across the U.S. in September. After analyzing the numbers (in millions of pounds), we uncovered the origins of these popular produce items and highlighted regional production patterns.
This data is sourced from USDA/AMS/Market News/Specialty Crops movement statistics, focusing exclusively on truck and import modes at domestic origins. It encompasses daily refrigerated truck volumes for fruits and vegetables by origin district and commodity.
Image: Rolling 30-Day Windows of the Top 20 Commodities: 9/1 through 9/30
🥔 Potatoes: Idaho leads the market with over 28.9 million pounds moved, followed by Colorado with 14.3 million pounds. The total potato production for September reached 75.9 million pounds.
🍏 Apples: Washington stands out in apple production with 39 million pounds, contributing to a total of 48.7 million pounds produced.
🧅 Onions (Dry): Washington is the top producer of dry onions, moving 15.7 million pounds, with Idaho following at 10.2 million pounds. The total production of dry onions for September was 38.5 million pounds.
🍇 Grapes: California dominates grape production with a total of 33.2 million pounds moved and produced within the state.
🍉 Watermelons: California leads in watermelon production with 8.2 million pounds, while Michigan, Indiana, and Delaware also contribute significantly. Total watermelon production amounts to 28.2 million pounds.
🍅 Tomatoes: Mexico is the leader in tomato production, moving 11.1 million pounds into the U.S. California follows with 3.7 million pounds produced. Total tomato production reached 20.9 million pounds.
🥒 Cucumbers: Mexico also leads cucumber production, with 11 million pounds moved into the U.S. Canada ranks second with 6.9 million pounds. Total cucumber production stands at 20.8 million pounds.
🍓 Strawberries: California dominates strawberry production with 19.6 million pounds, which constitutes the total production in the U.S.
🥑 Avocados: Mexico leads avocado imports with 16.8 million pounds moved into the U.S., contributing to a total production of 18.5 million pounds.
🥬 Iceberg Lettuce: California is the primary producer of iceberg lettuce, totaling 16.4 million pounds moved from the region, with overall production hitting 17.3 million pounds.
September Market Trends Presented by:
Image: Top 20 districts: Districts by Volume 9/1 through 9/30.
📍 Regional Production Patterns:
West Coast:
The West Coast, particularly California, dominates the production of several key crops. California leads in grapes (33.2 million pounds), watermelons (8.2 million pounds), strawberries (19.6 million pounds), and iceberg lettuce (16.4 million pounds). Washington is a significant producer of apples (39 million pounds) and dry onions (15.7 million pounds).
🇲🇽 Mexico Imports:
Mexico plays a crucial role in imports, leading in tomatoes (11.1 million pounds), cucumbers (11 million pounds), and avocados (16.8 million pounds).
🇨🇦 Canada:
Canada is a significant exporter of cucumbers to the U.S., ranking second with 6.9 million pounds.
Monthly Refrigerated Truck Volumes Over the Past 5 Years 📊
Source: USDA