The U.S. Exports Increased for All Potato Varieties

It comes as no surprise that the value of the U.S. potato exports increased for all potato varieties from July to December 2022 when compared to the same six months in 2021, given that global markets are showing strong signs of recovery.

The amount of U.S. shipments of frozen and dehydrated potatoes increased during this period, whereas fresh potato shipments decreased slightly.

In comparison to the same six months in 2021, the number of frozen potato exports from the US increased by 0.6%, while the value of frozen exports increased by another 25%. All potato categories have a substantial increase in value over volume, which is indicative of global inflation and price rises.

“A few major export markets saw decreases in U.S. frozen potato shipment volume over the six months, including China (-50%), Vietnam (-38%), and Myanmar (-42%). However, many markets saw significant volume increases during this time. U.S. frozen exports increased in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region (+28%), Malaysia (+28%), and Thailand (+26%),” a recent Potatoes USA report reveals.

In comparison to the same period last year, the volume of U.S. fresh potato exports, including table-stock potatoes and chipping potatoes for processing, dropped during these six months. U.S. fresh shipment volume decreased by -8%, but their worth increased by 13% as a result of higher prices.

“Now that the U.S. can ship potatoes beyond the 26-kilometer border region in Mexico, there was a significant increase in volume (+20%) and value (+56%) for fresh exports to the market. Fresh shipments also increased by volume to Central America (+37%), South Korea (+40%), and the Philippines (+64%). However, volume was down to several markets, such as Canada (-28%), Japan (-48%), and Taiwan (-10%),” the expert behind the report added.

The number and value of American dehydrated potato exports increased by 16% and 29%, respectively, from July to December 2022. However, some countries, such as China (-13%) and South Korea (-17%), saw declines in U.S. dehydrated shipment volume throughout the six months.

“Reports from South Korea indicate that this decrease represents the significantly high U.S. dehydrated exports to the market in 2021, though buyers are maintaining confidence in U.S. supply. The large increase in U.S. dehydrated potato shipments globally was led by increased shipments to several markets. Dehydrated potato exports to Canada and Mexico increased by 19%, Japan by 16%, and Malaysia by 79%,” according to the same document.

Although some foreign markets continue to report a limited supply of American potatoes, conditions appear to be getting better in many nations. For instance, food service operators in South Korea are looking to introduce new products and run promotions for American potatoes while still keeping a steady supply. Retailers and food service providers are back in operation in the majority of areas, and tourism is increasing. Price increases, however, have an impact on these marketplaces and frequently result in higher costs for the final consumer.