USMCA Seasonal Perishable Products Weekly Update – 30 September:

Mexican asparagus supplies tighten as California strawberry prices fall

North American produce markets are seeing mixed movement, with Mexican asparagus supplies affected by rain, Peruvian blueberry arrivals increasing, and California strawberry prices declining.

Asparagus
Asparagus movement from Mexico through Arizona, California, and Texas is expected to decrease. Supplies are limited, with many shipments tied to previous commitments. Rain from Hurricane Polo halted harvesting, which is expected to resume on Friday, October 2, once fields dry.

Peruvian asparagus movement through South Florida is expected to remain stable, with light supplies and active trading. Prices are generally unchanged. Eleven-pound cartons of bunched green jumbo asparagus are mostly US$60.75-62.75, large US$54.75, and standard US$48.75.

Avocados
Mexican avocado movement through Texas is expected to remain stable, with fairly slow trading. Hass 2-layer cartons range from US$21.25-40.25 depending on size. California movement is decreasing as growers finish the season, while Peruvian imports through Philadelphia and New York are also declining seasonally.

Blueberries
Peruvian blueberry imports through Miami, Philadelphia, and New York are expected to increase seasonally. Conventional trading is fairly active at slightly lower prices. Flats containing 12 1-pint cups are mostly US$40.00-42.00, while organic fruit is mostly US$62.00-64.00. Chilean imports are also expected to increase seasonally.

Cucumbers
Mexican cucumber movement through Texas is expected to decrease slightly, with prices slightly higher. Medium 1 1/9-bushel cartons are US$19.95-21.95. Supplies through Otay Mesa remain light, with most prices higher. South Georgia supplies are fairly heavy, while arrivals through Nogales are expected to increase seasonally.

Green bell peppers
California San Joaquin Valley movement is decreasing seasonally, with higher prices. Extra-large 1 1/9-bushel cartons are mostly US$19.95-20.95. Michigan movement is stable, while South Georgia volumes are expected to increase.

Strawberries
California strawberry trading remains slow, with prices much lower. Salinas-Watsonville flats of eight 1-pound containers are mostly US$6.00-8.00, while Santa Maria fruit is mostly US$8.00. Some berries are being diverted to freezers or processors.

Tomatoes
Mexican tomato movement through Texas is expected to increase slightly. California Central District movement is decreasing slightly, with active trading at lower prices. Mature Green 25-pound cartons range from US$9.35-13.35 depending on size. Supplies through Otay Mesa remain light but are expected to increase in early October.

To view the full report, click here.

For more information:
USDA
Tel: +1 202 720 2791
Email: press@usda.gov
www.mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov