Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. exports of pears increased in the 2020-21 marketing season. In the year from July 2020 to June 2021, the value of U.S. pear exports totaled $149.4 million, up 1% from the previous year. Mexico, the top customer for U.S. pears, imported $81.5 million in 2020-21, up 3% from $78.9 million in 2019-20 but down 12% from $91.1 million purchased in 2018-19. “Mexico is always a dominant market for Northwest pears,” said Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, Wash. Canada registered a whopping 18% gain, buying $46.6 million in 2020-21, up from $39.5 million in 2019-20 and 5% from $44.4 million in 2018-19. Guatemala was a fast-rising customer of U.S. pears, purchasing $2.4 million in 2020-21, up 36% from $1.7 million in 2019-20. Tariff issues in the various export countries continue to add complexity to the export market, said Matt Dusi, sector manager and food and agribusiness industry advisors for Wells Fargo Commercial Banking. “In addition to political challenges, export shippers are having a difficult time finding containers, lining up trucking, and getting containers on ships,” Dusi said. “Those fortunate enough to get containers on board are getting a case of sticker shock as prices continue to rise.”
Additionally, Dusi said increased costs for shipping and packaging are finding their way into export pricing, which does not help with the U.S.’s competitiveness against other exporting countries. Most pear export markets are poised to continue as in years past, said Dan Davis, director of business development for Starr Ranch Growers, Wenatchee, Wash. “The global shipping situation has made some countries more problematic for pears,” he said. “They really aren’t a product that wants to withstand increased transit time unfortunately.” Besides Mexico and Canada, South and Central America are the main focus for both the pear industry and Superfresh Growers, said Cat Gipe-Stewart, communication manager for Superfresh Growers, Yakima, Wash. “Growing markets for us are the Middle East and parts of Asia (India and Vietnam),” she said. Shippers said export markets are not overlooked. “The domestic market is always strong, but we are seeing demand from export markets as well, with Mexico being especially strong,” said Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing for Sage Fruit Co., Yakima.