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U.S. Import Reliance: Heavy for Some, Light for Others
U.S. vegetable availability relies heavily on imports for some commodities, but reliance varies widely across fresh and processing markets. Imports accounted for about one-third of U.S. vegetable availability in 2025, according to USDA, ERS estimates. This includes both fresh and processing vegetables, which had similar import shares. Fresh vegetable imports (excluding potatoes) are concentrated among a few trading partners, with Mexico supplying about 77 percent and Canada about 13 percent of total imports. Among fresh vegetables, products such as tomatoes and cucumbers rely heavily on imports, while lettuce (including iceberg and romaine/leaf) is supplied primarily by domestic production. Among processing vegetables, broccoli and cauliflower show high import dependence, while sweet corn is supplied largely by domestic production.
