The 2025 U.S. peach crop is projected to be slightly smaller than last season but remains well above the reduced 2023 harvest. According to the USDA's August Crop Production report, national output is estimated at 682,500 tons, down 4% from 2024 but 16% higher than two years ago.
California continues to lead national production, with both freestone and clingstone varieties showing modest year-over-year decreases of 3% and 0.4%, respectively. Approximately 70% of California's freestone crop is sold for the fresh market, while clingstone peaches are primarily used for processing. When combined with other producing states, total freestone output is forecast to be 4% smaller than last year but remains 5% higher than the 2020–2022 average, reflecting longer-term production stability despite recent fluctuations.
In the Southeast, yields are also trending lower, though from a stronger base compared to 2023. South Carolina's crop is estimated at 85,000 tons, down 7% from last season, while Georgia is expected to produce 30,000 tons, down from 37,200 tons in 2024. Both states have recovered substantially from the freeze events that damaged orchards two years ago, with production up 119% in South Carolina and 509% in Georgia since 2023. Clemson University Extension specialists described the 2025 South Carolina crop as fair overall, noting that frequent rainfall and humid conditions through mid-summer increased disease pressure.
The smaller domestic supply and firmer prices have weighed on export volumes. Through July 2025, U.S. shipments of fresh peaches and nectarines were down 3% by volume compared with the previous year. However, higher average unit values kept export revenue stable. Canada and Mexico remain the primary destinations, accounting for about 78% of total exports.
Organic peaches followed similar trends. Export volumes declined slightly compared with last season but still represent roughly 13% of total shipments, with Mexico taking around half of that trade.
Despite the current year's contraction, the U.S. peach industry remains in a more stable position than in 2023, supported by consistent output from California and continued recovery in southeastern orchards.
Source: Mintec/Expana
