By Clint Thompson
The U.S. is importing more agricultural crops into the country than it is exporting. That’s resulted in an agricultural trade deficit. It’s also further evidence that the U.S. is becoming increasingly dependent on other countries for its food supply, says University of Florida (UF) associate professor Zhengfei Guan.
“We can survive without an iphone, but we can’t live without food. I think it’s important to have food security in mind when we talk about trade,” Guan said.
Guan spoked at a recent blueberry meeting in Citra, Florida. He presented facts taken from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service and noted a surplus of more than $30 billion in 2010 has dropped to an ag deficit of almost $40 billion in 2024. The deficit is even higher for horticultural products at $63 billion.
Mexico was the top importer of ag goods in 2024 with 23% of imported goods, and 40% of those goods were fruits and vegetables. Total ag imports in 2024 were valued at $214 billion. Horticultural products comprised 49% of the total ag imports and 23% of the total ag exports.
Total imports of fruits and vegetables were valued at $32,872 million, with fresh fruits accounting for $19,916 million.
Of the total U.S. blueberry production in 2024, 16% were in Georgia and only 3% in Florida. Mexico’s blueberry imports were non-existent in 2008 but netted 140 million pounds in 2024. Florida’s blueberry production was 20 million pounds in 2023.