Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds in Northern America expanded from 856 thousand tonnes in 2018 to a peak of 1.2 million tonnes in 2022, before a slight contraction to 1.2 million tonnes in 2023. In value terms, the market showed steady growth, reaching 1.4 billion dollars by 2023. This overall increase was supported by a peak in the harvested area for pumpkins in the U.S. in 2022 and a broadening of consumer interest in diverse gourd and squash types, influenced by the growth of varied cuisines.

A key early influence was a contraction in export activity, which by 2019 had decreased by over 17% from 2017 levels, making more product available domestically. Import prices fluctuated significantly, with a sharp 21% increase in 2022 indicating supply constraints or strong demand. To secure reliable output, the industry saw strategic investment in resilient seed varieties, precision agriculture, and protected cultivation technologies.

By 2023, overseas shipments began to recover after a multi-year decline, which contributed to a slight reduction in domestic market volume. Consumer preferences continued to evolve towards the health benefits and culinary versatility of these products. Average import prices remained elevated, rising another 20% in 2024 to 1,068 dollars per tonne, supporting the market's rising total value.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

In 2019, Northern America produced 1 061 thousand tons of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, marking the highest output during the 2017-2020 period. Production then declined slightly to 1 049 thousand tons in 2020, representing a 1.2% decrease from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 831 thousand tons, which saw a 2.8% drop. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 22.6%, averaging a compound annual growth rate of 7.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Northern America's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds increased in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 021 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate 8.1% rise compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 731 million US dollars, which experienced a 9.5% decline. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 26.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

Northern America's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds increased in volume for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 23 405 tons, up 0.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export volume grew by 46.9%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 13.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, t

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

World map of product's exports from Northern America in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Northern America's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 22 776 thousand US dollars, showing a moderate 10.0% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 51.4%, with an annualized growth rate of 14.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

World map of product's exports from Northern America in value, 2017-2020

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

Northern America's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds increased in volume for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 51 242 tons, marking a moderate 6.0% uptick from 2019. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 46 072 tons, which saw a 35.7% decline. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, import volume decreased by 28.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico was the largest supplier of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to Northern America, accounting for 64.7% of imports by volume. Costa Rica followed with 5.0%, and Honduras with 3.4%. Together, these three countries made up 73.1% of total imports in kind.

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

World map of product's imports to Northern America in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Northern America's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds increased in value. In 2020, imports stood at 67 338 thousand US dollars, equivalent to an 18.9% gain compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 56 651 thousand US dollars, which saw a 2.0% decline. From 2017 to 2020, import value grew by 15.6%, with an annualized growth rate of 5.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Mexico dominated Northern America's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in value terms, concentrating 70.0% of total imports. The remaining volume was distributed among many countries, each with smaller individual shares.

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

World map of product's imports to Northern America in value, 2017-2020