In 2024, the United States experienced a significant increase in vegetable imports, marking a 10% rise in total value to $8.03 billion—its highest recorded level. This surge was driven primarily by frozen vegetables, which accounted for 51% of total import value. The total import volume grew by 5% to 22.86 billion pounds, though it remained below the peak seen in 2022. Frozen potato products, particularly french fries, contributed significantly to this growth, while imports of frozen broccoli and cauliflower saw a decline.
Prepared vegetable imports showed notable expansion, growing by 14% to exceed $3 billion, with tomato-based products leading the charge. This trend suggests an increasing preference for high-value frozen vegetables and ready-to-eat prepared varieties, reflecting evolving consumer demand.
Multiple factors contributed to this import growth, including shifting dietary patterns, convenience-driven purchasing behavior, and supply chain efficiencies. The rise in frozen potato imports, particularly french fries, underscores the demand for processed, ready-to-cook options. Conversely, the decline in frozen broccoli and cauliflower imports may indicate changing consumer preferences or shifts in domestic production.
Tomato-based products continue to be a staple in prepared vegetable imports, pointing to their versatility and consistent demand in both household and food service settings. The increasing reliance on imported prepared vegetables signals broader trends in consumption, where convenience, shelf stability, and consistent quality play essential roles.
The United States’ growing appetite for high-value frozen and prepared vegetables aligns with broader economic and logistical trends, including advancements in cold-chain infrastructure and competitive international sourcing. This shift may have implications for domestic growers and processors, encouraging innovation in value-added vegetable products.
Looking ahead, continued growth in vegetable imports could reflect sustained consumer interest in processed and frozen food categories. With evolving dietary habits and technological advancements in food preservation, the demand for imported vegetables—especially frozen and prepared varieties—is likely to remain strong in the coming years.