Pears market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. fresh pears market experienced a notable contraction from 2018 to 2020, with volume declining from 677.8 thousand tons to 552.3 thousand tons. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, reducing market size by over 100 thousand tons.

A turnaround began in 2021 as market volume grew to 564.0 thousand tons. This recovery was primarily driven by rising consumer demand, reinforced by USDA dietary guidelines that highlighted pears for reducing chronic disease risks, encouraging greater domestic consumption.

Market volume dipped slightly in 2022 to 553.9 thousand tons, though the value increased marginally as consumer preference shifted toward organic and sustainably sourced pears, which often carry price premiums. In 2023, volume rebounded to 591.5 thousand tons, supported by the expansion of e-commerce channels for direct sales and heightened demand associated with cultural festivals, which also contributed to price increases.

Production pears in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, the United States ranked as the second-largest producer of pears from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of pears, 2017-2020

World map of production of pears, 2017-2020

Pear production in the United States fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 595.1 thousand tonnes, down 8.3% from 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, production dropped by 11%, averaging a 3.8% annual decline. The highest production level was in 2018 at 730.7 thousand tonnes, which saw a 9.2% increase. The sharpest drop occurred in 2019, with an 11.2% decrease.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of pear production in the United States also declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, it was valued at 726.4 million US dollars, a slight 2.0% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 11.5%, with an average annual rate of 4.0%. The peak was in 2018 at 885.3 million US dollars, marking a 7.8% rise. The most significant decline happened in 2019, with a 16.3% drop.

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

Exports pears from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, US pear export volumes declined. In 2020, exports totaled 113.0 thousand tonnes, a 23.4% decrease from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 10.2%, averaging a 3.5% annual reduction. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 147.5 thousand tonnes, which represented a 12.2% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico and Canada were the primary destinations for US pear exports in volume, together accounting for 83.5% of total flows, with other markets making up the remainder.

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 a two-year rise, the value of US pear exports declined. In 2020, export value stood at 137.9 million US dollars, a significant 18.2% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, export value decreased by 10.7%, with an average annual rate of 3.7%. The peak was in 2019 at 168.5 million US dollars, which saw a 5.8% increase.

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

In value terms, Mexico and Canada dominated US pear exports from 2017 to 2020, jointly representing 82.1% of total flows, while other countries accounted for the rest.

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 pears to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

US pear imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were 70.2 thousand tonnes, down 5.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 4.1%, averaging a 1.4% annual decrease. The highest volume was in 2018 at 78.6 thousand tonnes, which increased by 7.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina, Chile, and China were the main sources of pear imports by volume for the United States. Argentina accounted for 52.0%, Chile for 16.7%, and China for 14.6%, together making up 83.3% of total imports.

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

The value of US pear imports also fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 119.5 million US dollars, a moderate 8.8% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2017–2020 period, import value dropped by 6.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.2%. The peak was in 2018 at 145.4 million US dollars, which saw a 13.8% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 9.8% drop.

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

In value terms from 2017 to 2020, Argentina, South Korea, and Chile remained the top suppliers of pears to the United States. Argentina contributed 45.1%, South Korea 26.2%, and Chile 15.9%, collectively forming 87.2% of total import value.

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