U.S. exports of horticultural products to all countries in May totaled $893 million, down 3 percent from the same month a year earlier. Nine out of 15 categories registered decreases. Categories with the most significant decreases in May were fresh non-citrus fruit (down $56.6 million or 39 percent); fruit and vegetable juices (down $13.3 million or 19 percent); and canned vegetables (down $10.7 million or 15 percent). The categories with the most significant increases were tree nuts (up $22.2 million or 36 percent); fresh vegetables (up $17.0 million or 16 percent); and wine (up $12.7 million or 35 percent). For FY 1998 to date (October-May), the total value of U.S. horticultural exports was $6.96 billion--1.5 percent below FY 1997, during the same time period.

From October 1997 to May 1998, 4 of the top 10 U.S. markets showed increases. Canada registered the largest increase for the first eight months of FY 1998 (up $171.3 million or 9 percent over the same time period a year ago), followed by Mexico (up $52.8 million or 18 percent), and Russia ($29.2 million or 68 percent). Fresh vegetables and miscellaneous products accounted for about two thirds of the increase in U.S. horticultural exports to Canada. Exports to Mexico are increasing as that country continues to recover from the 1994 peso devaluation crisis. The largest decrease for the top ten markets was for Japan (down $143.9 million or 11 percent), due to the strong U.S. dollar, a weak Japanese economy, and increased competition from third country suppliers. Reduced essential oil and fresh citrus exports accounted for the bulk of the decrease to Japan. Exports to Korea were down $76.7 million or 39 percent, due to the currency devaluation crisis.

All measures not otherwise noted are metric. One kilogram (kg.)=2.2046 pounds,
1 metric ton = 2,204.62 pounds, 1 liter = 0.2642 gallon,
1 hectoliter (hl.) = 26.42 gallons, and 1 hectare (ha.) = 2.471 acres.announcements/f8fas239.htm