Bread market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. bread market volume grew from 539 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 041 thousand tons in 2023, driven by shifting consumer preferences toward healthier and functional options. The introduction of low-carb, gluten-free, and fortified breads attracted health-conscious consumers, while the rise of artisan and organic segments broadened the market's appeal.

Regulatory changes, including updates to FDA nutrition labeling and health claim rules, prompted manufacturers to reformulate products and launch new varieties. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated market growth by boosting demand for convenient, longer-lasting bread and shifting sales to e-commerce channels.

Innovation continued with the entry of new players and the launch of specialized products like keto, vegetable-enriched, and plant-based breads. Major companies such as Flowers Foods and Sara Lee introduced new lines, capturing demand in growing segments and sustaining market expansion through 2024.

Production bread in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked 24th globally in bread production volume.

Top producers of bread, 2017-2020

World map of production of bread, 2017-2020

In 2020, the United States produced 31 138 tons of bread, showing minimal change compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.1%, averaging 3.0% annually. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 31 861 tons, which represented an 11.7% increase. In 2019, production saw its largest decline of 2.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Bread production in the United States increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 97 358 thousand US dollars, marking a slight gain of 2.0% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 15.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports bread from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, bread exports from the United States declined. In 2020, export volume totaled 569 thousand tons, a decrease of 2.9% compared to 2019. The peak was in 2019 at 586 thousand tons, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 2.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea were the leading destinations for US bread exports in kind. Canada accounted for 63.6% of exports, Mexico for 10.3%, and South Korea for 2.7%, together making up 76.5% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of gains, cross-border shipments of bread from the United States declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 1 781 million US dollars, down by 1.1% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 6.4%, averaging 2.1% annually. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 800 million US dollars, with the largest increase in 2018 at 3.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Canada, Mexico, and South Korea formed the core group of markets for US bread exports in value terms. Canada represented 62.0% of exports, Mexico 8.5%, and South Korea 2.3%, together accounting for 72.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports bread to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Bread import volume into the United States increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 235 thousand tons, reflecting a modest rise of 6.1% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 24.2%, averaging 7.5% annually.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Canada, Mexico, and India—together accounted for 76.3% of total bread imports in kind to the United States.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Bread deliveries to the United States increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 4 379 million US dollars, up by 7.2% from a year earlier. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 32.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Canada, Mexico, and Italy formed the core group of markets for US bread imports in value terms. Canada accounted for 51.3% of imports, Mexico for 16.2%, and Italy for 4.5%, together representing 71.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020