U.S. potato exports reached record value and volume in the 12-month period from July 2022 - June 2023. Export values increased 19.05% to $2.2 billion, and export volume increased 3.85% to 3.3 million metric tons (fresh weight equivalent).
U.S. potato export values increased across all categories (frozen, fresh, dehydrated, seed and chips), with double-digit rises in all but seed potatoes. The increase in export volume was led by dehydrated potatoes and chips, which rose by 25.63% and 11.19%, respectively. Overall, approximately 20% of U.S. potatoes are exported.
In the period July 2022 - June 2023, Mexico became the United States' largest potato export market for the first time, followed by Canada and Japan. The entire Mexican market opened to U.S. fresh potato exports in May 2022.
The value of U.S. frozen potato exports rose by 20.43%, reaching $1.4 billion, despite a 4.54% decrease in volume compared to the previous 12 months. For U.S. frozen potatoes, the top export markets were Japan, Mexico and South Korea. Frozen export values increased in all three countries, with a significant 25.93% growth in export volume to Japan.
The value of exported dehydrated potatoes increased by 24.00% to reach $257 million, and volume increased by 25.63% to reach 965,523 metric tons. The top destinations for U.S. dehydrated potatoes were Canada, Japan and Mexico, and exports increased in value and volume for each of these countries.
The value of fresh potato sales rose 15.57% from the previous 12 months to $310.4 million, though the volume of U.S. fresh potato shipments decreased slightly by 3.07%. Canada, Mexico and Japan were the top export markets for U.S. fresh potatoes, with both value and volume increasing to Mexico.
Although representing smaller portions of U.S. potato exports, potato chips increased in value by 11.34% and in volume by 11.19%. Seed potato exports also increased in value by 3.68%, though volume decreased by 5.82%. The export value of U.S. potato chips and seed potatoes amounted to $219.0 million and $15.1 million, respectively.
Trade Data Monitor compiles the data from the United States Department of Commerce, Foreign Trade Division, using the Harmonized Coding System, Schedule B. Potatoes USA accepts no liability for the content of these reports, or the consequences of any actions taken based on any information contained herein. Questions on the trade figures, international trade leads, and Potatoes USA international marketing programs should be directed to Media@PotatoesUSA.com.
Potatoes USA is the national potato marketing and promotion board representing U.S. growers and importers.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Always good to hear of exports increasing for U.S. grown commodities. Although potatoes are not considered a major crop like corn or soybeans, they are clearly part of U.S. agriculture and contribute mightily to the local economy where they are grown. And as we have pointed out on many occasions in the AIR, exports are an important part of supporting most commodities in America and potatoes are no exception. So be sure to promote your inventory to potato growers in your area. And remember to mention AgPack®. Potato growers use a lot of the products offered by our very special AgPack® partners. They use a lot of irrigation equipment, for instance, from companies like Reinke. Don’t forget the liquid fertilizer from AgriLiquid. Much more….
