At a time when South Korean farmers are deeply engaged in both harvesting and planting potatoes, news of a potential surge in U.S. potato imports has struck a heavy blow. Many farmers now fear they may be forced to abandon their potato operations altogether. Rising production costs and stagnant wholesale prices were already placing pressure on farms — now exacerbated by concerns over market flooding from cheaper imports.
This situation follows policy shifts initially introduced during the Trump administration, which aggressively sought to open new export channels for American potatoes. The U.S. already dominates Korea’s potato import market, accounting for over 65% of Korea’s 181,300 tons of imported potatoes in 2023. These potatoes enter Korea under varied tariff rules — with chip-use potatoes subject to a seasonal 38% tariff from May to November and a 304% tariff outside Korea’s limited TRQ quota of 4,406 tons for table-use potatoes.
Experts now warn that further pressure may mount for complete tariff elimination under future trade negotiations. According to research presented at the 2024 Winter Academic Conference of the Korean Society for Food Distribution, if U.S. potato tariffs are removed immediately, the economic damage to Korean potato production could total KRW 1.02 trillion (approx. USD 760 million) by 2039, with an average annual loss of KRW 83.2 billion (USD 62 million).
Beyond economic projections, the concern runs deeper. Farmers in regions such as Kimje and Dangjin, now in the middle of labor-intensive planting seasons, face not only financial losses but also emotional distress. “This isn’t just about economics. This is a message telling us to quit potato farming,” said a farmer from Jeollabuk-do. Meanwhile, in Gangwon Province, where potato farming dominates due to regional geography, any crop switch could overwhelm the already saturated radish and cabbage sectors.
The implications ripple beyond agriculture into national policy. The Korean Parliament has questioned why such a critical policy change wasn’t formally reported, leaving farmers and legislators alike blindsided. Critics argue the current administration is acting more like an extension of American trade interests than a protector of Korean food security.
Professor Kim In-Seok of Chonnam National University highlighted the broader concern: “If these imports lead to price collapse and shrinking production, Korea’s potato self-sufficiency will decline. And if phytosanitary and tariff barriers are further weakened, it will be extremely difficult for the domestic industry to recover.”
As of now, 97% of Korea’s agricultural market is open to global trade, leaving only rice and potatoes as strategically protected crops. Lawmakers argue that jeopardizing even these could leave the country vulnerable in future food crises.
South Korea is at a crossroads. With its potato sector under threat from growing U.S. imports and uncertain government action, the country must carefully weigh its trade policies against long-term food security and rural stability. Transparent dialogue with farmers, strengthened domestic policies, and assertive trade negotiations are essential steps to avoid irreversible damage.
