US exports of fresh potatoes, including both table-stock and potatoes for processing, were up 16% during the July-September 2021 quarter compared to 2020, due to a 31% increase to Canada, the largest market by far.
According to a Potatoes USA report, Mexico was up 26%, despite the continued restrictions to the 26-kilometer border zone. Also, Central America was up 29%, led by 321% growth to the Dominican Republic.
“Exports to Asia varied,” according to the same document, with exports to Taiwan, the largest market, down 24% as significant problems with rejections that have limited exporters’ willingness to ship. The Philippines and Thailand were down 36% and 88%, respectively, due to strong competition from low-priced potatoes from China.
On the other hand, exports to Korea were up 86% as demand for US table-stock potatoes continues to grow in this market. Exports of chipping potatoes to Japan increased by 54% due to a greatly reduced harvest on the island of Hokkaido.
Good Numbers for US Frozen Potato Exports
During the same period, US exports of frozen potato products increased by 30%. These increases were led by a 63% rise to Mexico, continuing exceptionally strong sales to this market throughout 2021.
“Exports to Canada and Central America were up 52% and 55%, respectively, with all countries in Central America posting growth. Exports to Potatoes USA target markets in Asia were up 18%, led by increases of 28% to China and 176% to the Philippines,” the Potatoes USA report shows.
Both markets were severely impacted by COVID-19 resulting in serious declines in 2020 and thus more of a rebound. Exports to Japan were up 14%, but due to problems with shipping and tight US supplies, restaurant chains in Japan are limiting fry sales and switching to products from Canada.
The only two markets to decline were Korea, down 14%, and Taiwan, off 3%, because both countries had limited impacts from COVID-19. That’s why, the experts say, exports remained strong in 2020.
“The problem now is with shipping and US supplies, resulting in declines despite strong demand,” based on the Potatoes USA analysis.
US exports of dehydrated potatoes did not fare as well in part since dehy exports were up in 2020. Further, tight US supplies, logistics issues, and strong competition from Europe limited exports.
All markets in Asia, except Korea, up 59%, were down with the largest market, Japan, off by 24%. Both Mexico and Canada, two of the largest markets, were down by 7% and 10% percent, respectively.
