Potato exports decline again in May

The volume of U.S. exports of frozen potato products declined 4 percent in May 2018 compared to 2017, with value down 2 percent, according to figures compiled by Trade Stats Northwest. The reduction was due to a 26 percent loss in Mexico, 38 percent to Indonesia, 8 percent to the largest market, Japan, and 14 percent to Thailand. On the positive side, Central America was up 7 percent, China up 8 percent, Malaysia up 8 percent and Taiwan was up 17 percent.

The volume of U.S. dehydrated potato exports was down 13 percent for the month with Japan off 39 percent, the Philippines down 50 percent and Mexico down 19 percent. Exports to Canada were up 25 percent and Korea increased 34 percent. Fresh export volume was down 31 percent to the world but only off 5 percent compared to Potatoes USA target markets. A 44 percent drop for Canada was the driving factor, with the Philippines also down 64 percent and Taiwan off 40 percent. A 27 percent increase to Mexico was significant as was 42 percent growth to Japan and a 484 percent increase for Korea.

Declines in processed product exports reflect the short supply within the United States and the continued expansion in production of both frozen and dehy in the European Union, particularly Belgium and France, the report showed. The resulting higher prices for the U.S. product are exacerbated by the strong dollar.