This month marks the start of the peak harvest season for American blueberries. This year, American blueberry production has remained at the high levels seen in recent years, with ample supply on the market.

According to a forecast of US Highbush Blueberry Council, this year's U.S. blueberry crop is expected to reach 704 million pounds (319.000 metric tons). So far, slight declines in production in some states, including North Carolina, California and Florida, have been offset by higher production in Georgia.

Exports of fresh American blueberries to China began in 2021. These blueberries primarily come from Washington and Oregon, the two largest blueberry-producing states in the United States. In particular, Oregon blueberries have been consistently exported to China for three consecutive years.

This year, Oregon is benefiting from favorable weather conditions for growing blueberries, as harvest will begin several days earlier than usual and is expected to extend into September.

According to the USHBC, Oregon and Washington together are expected to produce more than 320 million pounds (145.000 metric tons) of blueberries in 2024, representing 45,5% of total U.S. production.

The United States has traditionally been a major consumer of blueberries, with only about 5% of total production going for export each year. However, in recent years, the USHBC has focused on boosting exports, aiming to increase export volume to 10% of production by 2025.

China, as an emerging market for blueberry consumption, has seen growing import demand, solidifying its position. As a crucial foreign market for American blueberries.

In May of this year, the USHBC received a $1,3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Regional Agricultural Promotion Program to expand export channels for U.S. blueberries. U.S. blueberry exports to China typically peak in July and August, and this year's first shipment is scheduled to arrive next month.