Frozen potato product exports from the United States were down nearly -4% by volume from July to September of 2022, but up +13% in value compared to the same three-month period in 2021, according to Trade Monitor Data figures posted by the Denver, Colorado-based Potatoes USA marketing and promotion board. The higher value number compared to volume is a commonality across potato exports of all types, reflecting inflation and price increases globally.
In most countries around the world, restaurants are back to operating at normal capacity, borders are opening for tourism, and many consumers are looking for high-quality, nutritious food options, all leading to strong demand for potato products imports from the United States.
Looking at a few markets specifically, frozen shipments decreased to China (-38%), Myanmar (-59%) and Taiwan (-7%). While volume was down overall, there were some increases in frozen shipments to international markets, including Saudi Arabia (+24%) and the United Arab Emirates (+134%).
Fresh potato exports from the United States, including table-stock tubers and chipping potatoes for processing, were down by -15% in volume this quarter, compared to July-September 2021. The value of shipments, however, rose by +7%.
Fresh exports were up to some major markets, including Mexico, at nearly +7%. This includes shipments to the country’s interior, now that fresh US potatoes can go beyond the 26-kilometer border region. Exports also increased to the Central American region by over +50% and in South Korea by a whopping +180%.
US dehydrated potato exports were up +1.4% in volume and +8% in value compared to this quarter in 2021, despite tight supply. Some of the major increases in dehydrated spud shipments were to Malaysia, up +124%, and Thailand, up +61%. Several markets saw decreases in dehydrated potato shipments, including Japan (-29%), South Korea (-50%) and Taiwan (-78%).
While evidence of strong demand for US potato products is coming in from across the globe, many markets report challenges in maintaining a consistent supply of potatoes from the United States.
However, in South Korea, importers report that the US potato supply is stable now, and foodservice operators are looking for promotional support to launch new menu items featuring US potatoes. In Myanmar, the foodservice and retail sectors are back to operating as usual. Importers there reported that many foodservice operators have returned to using 100% US potatoes at their restaurants.
