Mexican berry exports fall 12.7% as blueberries buck the decline

First-half exports lose US$300 million

Mexican exports of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries fell sharply in the first half of 2026, according to PortalFruticola. Combined shipments were valued at US$2.03 billion, down 12.7% from US$2.33 billion in the same period of 2025. The figures show a widening gap between the performance of individual berry categories rather than a uniform contraction across the industry.

The decrease represents a year-on-year loss of about US$300 million in export value. It is particularly relevant for the United States, which remains the principal destination for Mexican berries. Changes in Mexico’s export mix can therefore affect the availability and sourcing decisions of US importers, distributors and retailers.

Strawberries lead decline as blueberries expand

Strawberries accounted for the largest part of the downturn. Their export value dropped 29.8% to US$523.1 million during the first six months of 2026. PortalFruticola said the reduction points to a possible period of lower availability of Mexican strawberries for buyers in the United States.

Exports of raspberries and blackberries also weakened, falling 12% to US$994.5 million. Despite that decline, the two fruits remained the largest category by value among the figures reported. Their combined export revenue was nearly twice the value generated by strawberries or blueberries individually.

Blueberries moved in the opposite direction. They were the only berry category to record growth, with exports rising 13.7% to US$516.4 million. The increase indicates a growing role for Mexico in the US blueberry market and a gradual shift in the composition of the country’s berry exports. Blueberry revenue was also close to the value of strawberry shipments after the latter category’s steep contraction.

Monthly slowdown and regional concentration

Monthly data show that the loss of momentum became more pronounced as the first half progressed. Combined berry exports declined to US$258.3 million in May and then to US$107 million in June. The June result was 34.2% below the level recorded in the same month of 2025, making the end of the period substantially weaker than the first-half headline alone suggests.

Production and export exposure are also highly concentrated geographically. Jalisco generated about 77.5% of Mexico’s raspberry and blackberry export value in the second quarter of 2026. Together, Jalisco and Michoacán accounted for 97.6%, leaving the supply chain heavily dependent on conditions in two producing states.

For US buyers, the data present two different sourcing signals. The sharp fall in strawberry exports and the late-half slowdown raise the prospect of tighter Mexican supply, while growing blueberry shipments offer a more favorable availability outlook in that category. Producers and exporters must manage an increasingly uneven portfolio: blueberries are gaining weight, but their growth has not offset the losses in strawberries, raspberries and blackberries.