U.S. principal pear customers are Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Taiwan, in that order. Grape exports from selected countries in 1997 are estimated at 1.7 million tons, down marginally from 1996. Chilean table grape exports declined 12 percent because of a late spring drought, which reduced supplies. U.S. table grape exports in 1997 reached 268,846 tons, up 25 percent from 1996, based on higher production and the opening of new markets, such as China and Chile. Canada, Hong Kong, and Mexico were the top three export markets for U.S. grapes.
Production is estimated down because of lower production levels in France and Italy.
The major U.S. wine export markets were the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. Macadamia nut production and exports continue to grow due to strong international demand. Australia remains the world's largest exporter of macadamias, accounting for more than 40 percent of the world total. Kenya ranks as the second largest exporter of macadamias, and the United States third. Although the United States is the world's largest producer of macadamias, it is also a significant importer in order to meet domestic needs.