Star Fruit Prices in the United States from 2020 to 2025

Available Star Fruit Price Data:

2025: The approximate wholesale price range for star fruit (carambola) in the U.S. is between $1.87 and $2.14 per kilogram (or $0.85 to $0.97 per pound), as reported for April 2025. Retail prices would likely be higher, potentially $2.50–$4.00 per pound, depending on location, season, and retailer (e.g., supermarkets vs. specialty stores).

2020–2024: Specific star fruit prices for these years are not explicitly detailed in the sources. However, general trends in fresh fruit prices can provide context:

• Between 2021 and 2022, fresh fruit prices in the U.S. increased by about 9.5%, driven by supply chain issues, labor costs, and inflation.

• In 2023, the U.S. fruit market saw modest growth, with total sales reaching $42.1 billion, indicating stable but rising demand.

• For 2025, farm-level fruit prices are predicted to increase by 11.6% (with a wide range of -2.7% to 29.0%), reflecting volatility due to weather, production, and trade factors like tariffs.

Estimating Star Fruit Prices (2020–2024):

Since star fruit is an imported tropical fruit, its prices are influenced by import costs, seasonality, and general fruit market trends. Using the 2025 price range as a baseline and accounting for inflation and price trends:

• 2020: Assuming lower prices due to less inflation and pre-COVID supply chain recovery, wholesale prices might have been around $1.50–$1.80 per kg ($0.68–$0.82 per pound). Retail could have been $2.00–$3.00 per pound.

• 2021: With supply chain disruptions, prices likely rose slightly, perhaps $1.60–$1.90 per kg wholesale ($0.73–$0.86 per pound), with retail at $2.20–$3.20 per pound.

• 2022: The 9.5% fruit price increase suggests wholesale prices of $1.75–$2.00 per kg ($0.80–$0.91 per pound), with retail around $2.40–$3.50 per pound.

• 2023: Prices likely stabilized or grew modestly, possibly $1.80–$2.05 per kg wholesale ($0.82–$0.93 per pound), with retail at $2.50–$3.70 per pound.

• 2024: With continued inflation and tariff concerns, prices could have approached $1.85–$2.10 per kg wholesale ($0.84–$0.95 per pound), with retail at $2.60–$3.90 per pound.
  
  

Contextual Factors:

• Imports: Star fruit is primarily imported (e.g., from Mexico, Malaysia, or Thailand), and the U.S. relies heavily on imports for fresh fruit (59% of availability in 2023). Import prices are affected by trade policies, such as potential tariffs (e.g., 10% on Guatemala, a supplier), which could raise 2025 prices.

• Seasonality: Star fruit prices fluctuate based on harvest seasons (e.g., peak supply from Thailand or Malaysia).

• Retail vs. Wholesale: Retail prices are typically 30–50% higher than wholesale due to transportation, storage, and markup. Specialty stores or organic markets may charge premiums.

Notes:

• Tariff Impact: Proposed 2025 tariffs could increase prices for imported star fruit, especially from non-NAFTA countries. A projected 4% rise in fresh produce prices due to tariffs may push retail prices higher.

• Regional Variation: Prices vary by state (e.g., higher in California, lower in Florida due to proximity to imports). Urban specialty stores may charge more than rural grocers.