USD364m Worth of U.S. Potatoes and Potato-related Items Sold to Japan in 2022

The U.S. sold approximately USD364m worth of potatoes and potato-related items to Japan in 2022, making that country the second-best foreign market for American potatoes. Frozen cooked and prepared potatoes are widely imported into Japan. 63% of Japan's total imports of potato goods came from the U.S.

“Currently, 16 states are eligible to export chipping potatoes to Japan. Since 2020, U.S. potatoes can enter Japan throughout the year. U.S. potato imports are subject to further restrictions on overland transportation and ports of entry. There are no regional or seasonal restrictions on imports of processed potatoes, such as frozen French fries. U.S. table stock potatoes are not currently eligible for export to Japan,” the USJTA Treatment for Potatoes and Potato Products 2023 report reveals.

Because potatoes are becoming more and more popular as a side dish in Japanese cuisine, there is a high demand for American potato goods (non-fresh) in Japan. All potato export product categories are led by U.S. frozen French fries, which are favored for their dependable quality, uniform size, and white hue.

In the food service and retail industries, particularly for frozen potato goods and potato bread, there are opportunities for ongoing expansion. The Japanese retail market prefers simple, single-serve, microwaveable, and/or ready-to-eat items including fries, frozen mashed potatoes, and potato mixed veggies. Fresh chipping potatoes are only imported into Japan from the U.S.