U.S. potato exports reach record value, despite slight volume decline

U.S. potato exports reached a record $2.3 billion in value from July 2023 to June 2024, according to Potatoes USA. Despite this 4% increase in value, overall export volume fell by 1.6%, totaling 3.3 million metric tons (fresh weight equivalent).

“U.S. potato exports saw gains in most categories, including fresh, frozen, chips, dehydrated and seed potatoes,” Potatoes USA wrote in a recent press release.

Fresh potato exports rose 7.5% in volume, while frozen and chips saw declines of 6.1% and 3.3%, respectively.

Mexico remained the top export market, followed by Canada and Japan. The U.S. exported $1.5 billion worth of frozen potatoes, though the volume decreased to 1.5 million metric tons. Japan, Mexico, and South Korea were the largest buyers of frozen potatoes.

Dehydrated potato exports grew to $263.1 million, and fresh potato exports hit $327.9 million.

“Mexico saw significant growth in fresh potato imports from the U.S., increasing both value and volume,” the press release detailed.

Smaller categories such as potato chips and seed potatoes also showed mixed results. Chip exports reached $225.2 million, while seed potato exports rose 19% to $15.4 million.

The export data was compiled by Trade Data Monitor, drawing from U.S. Department of Commerce figures. Potatoes USA serves as the marketing organization for U.S. potato growers.