Changes in U.S. Agricultural Imports From Latin America and the Caribbean

by Steven Zahniser, William Johnson, and Constanza Valdes

Between 2007–09 and 2019–21, total U.S. agricultural imports increased at a compound annual growth rate of 5.6 percent (nominal value—i.e., not inflation-adjusted). Consumer-oriented products (such as beef, fruit, vegetables, and alcoholic beverages) became a more prominent part of this trade, with their share rising from 66.3 percent to 70.7 percent. These trends were even stronger when considering imports from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). To understand how and why U.S. agricultural imports from LAC changed, Economic Research Service economists used detailed trade statistics to explore the changing product and supplying-country composition of these imports.

How to Cite:

Zahniser, S., Johnson, W., & Valdes, C. (2023). Changes in U.S. agricultural imports from Latin America and the Caribbean (Report No. AES-124-01). U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. https://doi.org/10.32747/2023.8122124.ers

Keywords: Agricultural trade, imports, United States, Latin America, Caribbean, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Nicaragua, Brazil, berries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, tequila, avocados, beef, beer, coffee, grapes, bananas, ethanol, orange juice

In this publication...

• Changes in U.S. Agricultural Imports From Latin America and the Caribbean
• Report summary

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