Exports Increase for All U.S. Potato Types in July–September 2023

December 14, 2023

DENVER (December 14, 2023) – Export value increased for all U.S. potato types (frozen, fresh, dehydrated, seed and chips) in July-September 2023 compared to the same period the previous year. Total U.S. potato exports increased 10.8% by dollar value to $607 million, and export volume increased slightly (0.2%) to 452,000 metric tons (fresh weight equivalent).

The increase in total exports was bolstered by strong demand for fresh potatoes, exports of which were up 10.4% by volume and 10.1% by dollar value in July-September 2023. Fresh export volume rose significantly in Mexico (48.8%), representing an increase of over 17,300 metric tons from the previous year. The increase in shipments to Mexico comes as the country’s entire market opened to U.S. fresh potato exports in May 2022.

At the same time, fresh potato exports to Canada were down 3.3%. compared to 2022, and exports to Taiwan were down 6%.

Total frozen potato exports for the three-month period were down 8.6% by volume, but still up 11.6% by value. Frozen exports to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region saw a 3% increase in volume, and the Philippines saw a 5% increase. However, exports were down 20% to Japan, 45% to Malaysia and 27% to South Korea.

Total exports of dehydrated potatoes were up 13.3% by volume and 8.9% by dollar value in July-September, boosted by a 34% increase in volume to Central America and a 20% increase in volume to Japan. However, exports were down in some smaller export markets for dehydrated potatoes, including Taiwan (-75%) and Thailand (-38%).

Although representing smaller portions of U.S. potato exports, potato chips increased slightly in value by 0.3% and decreased in volume by 1.3%. Seed potato exports increased in both value (10.7%) and volume (25.0%).

For details on U.S. potato exports, see the attached spreadsheets. Questions on the trade figures, international trade leads, and Potatoes USA international marketing programs should be directed to media@potatoesusa.com.

Trade Data Monitor compiles these figures. Potatoes USA accepts no liability for the content of these reports or for the consequences of any actions taken based on any information contained herein.