Spinach market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. fresh spinach market demonstrated significant volatility between 2018 and 2023, with its volume initially rising from 355 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 406 thousand tons in 2022, but encountering a sharp contraction to 300 thousand tons in 2020. Production followed a similar trajectory, reaching 429 thousand tons in 2019 before dropping precipitously the following year. The market's recovery after 2020 brought it close to previous highs by 2022, though it experienced a modest correction in 2023.

The initial market growth through 2019 was supported by concentrated production in states like California, which accounted for 65% of U.S. fresh spinach acreage, ensuring a steady supply. This period also saw increased consumer demand for packaged salads, which boosted overall spinach consumption. The dramatic market decline in 2020 was primarily driven by the widespread disruption of supply chains and shifts in consumer behavior resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, which adversely affected the fresh produce sector. The subsequent recovery was fueled by enduring consumer trends, including a growing preference for organic produce and the convenience of ready-to-eat spinach products, which helped elevate consumption levels back toward pre-pandemic volumes.

Market evolution was further shaped by corporate activity and innovation. The expansion of seed distribution partnerships by companies like BASF into key growing states enhanced the availability of high-quality, disease-resistant spinach varieties for farmers. Concurrently, the frozen spinach segment grew due to its longer shelf life and alignment with health-conscious trends, contributing to overall market stability. While export price adjustments occurred, the core domestic market dynamics were most influenced by these supply-side enhancements and sustained demand for fresh, healthy options.

Production spinach in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

The United States was one of the world's top spinach producers from 2017 to 2020, ranking second globally by production volume.

Top producers of spinach, 2017-2020

World map of production of spinach, 2017-2020

Spinach production in the United States declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 325.2 thousand tons of spinach, a decrease of 24.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production fell by 11.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 429.4 thousand tons, with the largest year-over-year increase of 11.6% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of spinach production in the United States declined. In 2020, spinach output was valued at 953 million US dollars, down 26.9% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 19.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.9%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 303 million US dollars, which also saw the largest year-over-year increase of 5.9%.

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

Exports spinach from the United States

Exports in kind, t

Spinach exports from the United States increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 47 683 tons, marking a 7.8% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 25.9%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 8.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada and Mexico accounted for the vast majority of US spinach exports in volume, together representing 99.9% of total shipments.

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

The value of spinach exports from the United States increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports were valued at 139.8 million US dollars, reflecting a 4.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value rose by 14.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Canada and Mexico were the primary buyers of US spinach in value terms, together accounting for 99.9% of total exports.

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 spinach to the United States

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 9 599 tons and peaked in 2020 at 22 064 tons, representing a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, spinach import volume to the United States amounted to 22 064 tons, a 25.7% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 4.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 82.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico and Canada dominated the geographic structure of spinach imports to the United States in volume, jointly accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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 market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. Import value dropped to its minimum in 2018 at 17.9 million US dollars and climbed to its maximum in 2020 at 77.1 million US dollars, a 4.3-fold shift. In 2020, the value of spinach imports to the United States was 77.1 million US dollars, a 56.3% increase year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 0.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 174.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico and Canada clearly dominated as suppliers of spinach to the United States in value terms, together representing 100.0% of total imports.

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