World
Horticultural
Trade and U.S. Export
Opportunities
Exports have become vital for the success of the U.S.
pear industry. Today, the percentage of U.S. pear
production going into export has increased dramatically
and a larger share of the income of pear farmers
originates from export sales. Almost 20 percent of the
U.S. pear crop is now going to export, compared to 5
percent twelve years ago. Canada and Mexico together
account for over half of U.S. pear shipments. The
European Union, Brazil, Taiwan, and Venezuela are also
important markets. Many factors are behind this
development, including the completion of trade
agreements, stagnant fresh and processed domestic demand,
and increased export promotion efforts. Moreover,
expanding export markets boosted U.S. pear sales and
provided another income outlet to U.S. pear farmers. U.S.
pear exports in 1999/2000 are forecast at 150,000 tons,
up 8 percent from 1998/99 shipments. Increased production
in Washington and California, major U.S. pear exporting
states, has improved overall export supplies from the
United States this season.
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