Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. market for fresh pumpkins, squash, and gourds demonstrated consistent growth in value from $1.1 billion in 2018 to $1.8 billion in 2023. In physical terms, market volume increased from 1.1 million tonnes in 2018 to a peak of 1.6 million tonnes in 2021, before moderating to 1.5 million tonnes in 2023. This rise in market value was supported by expanding consumer demand driven by the growth of foodservice adoption and diverse cuisines, which broadened usage beyond traditional seasonal purposes.

Production has been heavily oriented toward the fresh and ornamental markets, with approximately 85% of cultivated acreage dedicated to these segments. Over 15,000 farms across states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Michigan supplied the market, supported by managed pollination using thousands of honeybee colonies to secure yields. The total harvested area for pumpkins reached its highest point in 2022, which contributed to the peak in production volumes before a subsequent slight contraction.

International trade and integrated North American supply networks ensured year-round product availability. After a period of decline, overseas shipments began to recover in 2023. Concurrently, average import prices rose steadily, increasing by 20-21% in 2022-2023 and reaching $1,068 per tonne in 2024, which further elevated the overall market value.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States ranked 5th globally in the production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds.

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

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

In 2020, the United States produced 903 K t of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, marking a gradual decline of 3.1% year-over-year. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 699 K t, with the largest annual decrease of 3.2% that year. It then surged to a peak of 932 K t in 2019, representing the biggest increase of 33.3%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 25%, averaging an annualized rate of 7.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The United States saw its production value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds rise for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 140 M $ US, reflecting a robust increase of 16.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value climbed by 58.3%, with an annualized growth rate of 16.5%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Foreign supplies of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from the United States declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 52.9 K t, down by 2.5% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 19.3%, averaging an annualized decrease of 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada was the primary destination for exports in kind, accounting for 83.1% of total flows, while other markets made up a long tail of smaller partners.

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 decline, the United States' export value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds increased. In 2020, exports reached 66.8 M $ US, showing a solid rise of 17.6% year-over-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 56.8 M $ US, with the largest annual drop of 8.8% that year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 2.2%, equating to a modest annualized rate of 0.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada dominated as the top destination for exports in value terms, representing 88.1% of total flows, with the remainder spread across various smaller markets.

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 pumpkins, squash and gourds to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds into the United States increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 52.9 K t, showing a small uptick of 1.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 16.9%, averaging an annualized growth rate of 5.3%.

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

During 2017–2020, Mexico accounted for most imports in kind, taking 86.9% of total flows, while other markets formed a fragmented tail.

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

Imported volumes of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in the United States grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 529.9 M $ US, marking an increase of 20.8% over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 34.1%, with an annualized rate of 10.3%.

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

In 2017–2020, Mexico clearly dominated as the leading supplier of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to the United States, capturing 90.5% of total imports in value terms.

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