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| Horticultural & Tropical Products Division | Return to the H&TP Home Page |
September 8, 2000
U.S. Exports of Horticultural Products Projected up in FY
2001
Exports of horticultural products are forecasted at $10.7 billion
in fiscal 2001 (October 2000-September 2001), up $300 million
from the fiscal 2000 estimate. This forecast assumes continued
sales expansion in the Canadian market and strong economic growth
in Mexico and several Asian countries. Increased citrus exports
are likely due to the expected size of the U.S. orange crop and
the initial opening of China’s market. Also, wine shipments
to Asia are again expected to do well in the coming year. The
estimate for fiscal 2000 remains unchanged at $10.4 billion. A
larger orange crop (and resulting expansion of exports) continues
to offset the impact of a smaller apple crop. Wine exports are
up, but record world supplies of almonds and walnuts result in
another downward revision in tree nut prices and thus total
export value.
China Growing in Importance for U.S. Wine Exporters
U.S. wine exports to China jumped almost 250 percent from 1998
to1999 to reach $2 million, largely due to wine entering the
Chinese market directly rather than via Hong Kong. Last year,
China ranked 23rd as a market for U.S. wine exports,
up considerably from 66th place in 1990. Although
China's wine market is still in its infancy, it presents long
term opportunities for expanded exports as urban consumers are
educated about U.S. wines. The market is presently made up of
inexpensive imported bulk wine mixed with Chinese wines and
expensive imported labels, and lacks quality wines in the middle
price range. A growing middle class base and an increasing
openness to imported foods, combined with reduced tariffs
following China's entry into the WTO, could prove a winning
combination for U.S. exporters in the long run.
Japanese Imports of U.S. Asparagus Reach 5-year High
Japanese imports of U.S. asparagus totaled 5,220 tons (valued at
$20.1 million) in the first 6 months of 2000, the highest level
since calendar year 1995. Sales were particularly strong during
the months of April and May, months typically dominated by local
product. Mid-to-late season U.S. asparagus and Japanese buyers
predict further growth during these months as local production is
expected to gradually decline. Overall, the United States
accounts for roughly 20 percent of total Japanese imports.
Pecan Production is Rising in Mexico
Mexico’s pecan production for marketing year 2001/02
(October 2000-September 2001) is forecast to increase to
approximately 59,000 tons, up 1.7 percent from 2000/2001. This
increase is due to planned increases in planted acreage and new
trees coming into production. Mexico is the second largest
pecan producer in the world. Pecans are harvest in Mexico from
October to December.
USDA Extends Comment Period on Proposal to Allow Fuji
Apples from Korea
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending the comment
period on a proposal that would allow the importation of Fuji
apples from certified orchards within approved production areas
in the Republic of Korea. Under the proposal, the apples would be
imported into the United States without treatment, but under
certain conditions designed to prevent the introduction of the
peach fruit moth, the yellow peach moth, the fruit tree spider
mite, and the kanzawa mite. Notice of this action was published
in the August 22, 2000, Federal Register. APHIS documents
published in the Federal Register, and related information,
including the names of organizations and individuals who have
commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html
For more information, contact Dennis Hannapel, co-director of
Asia and Pacific, phytosanitary issues management team, PPQ,
APHIS, USDA, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, Md.
20737-1236, (301) 734-4308.
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