Fresh pear exports from the United States are projected to decline by nearly 23% to 85,000 tonnes this season, marking the lowest export levels since the 1980s. The drop comes amid a 20% decrease in overall production, according to a report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.
The U.S. pear crop for this year is estimated at 470,000 tonnes, the smallest harvest since the 1967/68 season. The decline in production is set to move the U.S. from fourth to sixth place among the world’s largest pear producers.
The report highlights that most U.S. pear exports are destined for Canada and Mexico. However, the anticipated export volume is half of what the country shipped to foreign markets a decade ago.
Production challenges have been especially severe in Washington, typically the leading pear-producing state. Output in Washington is expected to fall by over 30%, trailing Oregon for the first time. Unfavorable weather, including a January freeze and a cold spring, contributed to the reduced harvest. The report also notes a decade-long trend of declining pear acreage in Washington.
Similarly, Oregon and California have experienced production decreases of 15% and 17%, respectively, due to adverse weather conditions.
Exports during the first three months of the marketing year fell by over 40% compared to the same period last year. The report suggests that while U.S. imports may increase slightly to 80,000 tonnes, they are unlikely to offset the production shortfall.
The report added that higher U.S. prices could potentially attract Southern Hemisphere pear supplies typically destined for other regions. However, U.S. import volumes have remained relatively stable over the past decade, even in years with similar disruptions.
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