Mixed results for U.S. potato exports in February  

Potatoes USA has reported that the latest numbers on U.S. potato exports showed both some gains as well as some double-digit losses.

The group reported that U.S. exports of frozen potatoes saw strong growth in February 2018 compared to 2017 with volume up 6 percent and the value up 6 percent as well, to over $90 million. Exports of dehydrated potatoes were off 12 percent by volume and 6 percent by value for a monthly total of just under $14 million. Fresh exports were down 7 percent by volume but up 27 percent by value to $13.6 million.

The increase in frozen exports was driven by a 20 percent volume increase to Mexico, 38 percent increase to Central America, 64 percent increase to Taiwan and a 23 percent increase to the Philippines. On the negative side, exports continue to decline to China, off 13 percent for the month, while both Indonesia and Korea saw declines for the month but remain on pace for the marketing year.

Dehy exports for the month were brought down by a 48 percent decline to Mexico, the third largest market, and a 19 percent decline to Japan, the second largest market. There were increases to China, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, but these were not enough to offset the two big losses.

The volume of exports of fresh potatoes (table-stock and chip-stock) were caused by the 33 percent decline to the largest market, Canada, said Potatoes USA. Despite the higher prices, exports of fresh potatoes to Mexico were up 34 percent while Japan (chip-stock) grew by 17 percent and Taiwan was up 95 percent.