Potato Export Recovery from the United States – New Harvest

Total exports of potato products from the United States increased by 4 percent in the period from July 2020 to June 2021 and 1 percent in value compared to last year.

Since the 2020 harvest, the United States has finally exported 1.733 million tons of finished products for a total of $ 1.8 billion (1.5 1.53 billion), according to data from marketing company Potato USA. These export figures are only slightly lower than the record exports realized by Americans for the 2018-2019 season.

Last year, the U.S. potato sector also faced a drop in demand due to the global corona virus. The international market will recover in 2021. However, there are still restrictions on the transportation and availability of potatoes in the United States after the small harvest in 2020.

More chips are sold

The increase in exports was mainly due to the increase in sales of crispy and potato for new consumption for new locations. Slightly frozen potato products were also exported. On the other hand, exports of potato flakes have declined by 4 per cent compared to the 2019-2020 season.

In terms of export destinations, Mexico in particular has again purchased more potato products from the United States. This is mainly the result of the cancellation of increased import tariffs for French fries. Exports to countries such as Malaysia and Guatemala have also increased. The agreement with Japan on the supply of fresh potatoes throughout the year increased sales by 68 percent.

Major sales country

Canada is the most important selling country for the American potato sector. This is especially true for crisp and frozen chips. In addition, potato sales for new consumption to the northern neighbor increased by 6 percent last year. Purchases of Canadian potato flakes from the United States were down 3 percent.

In the coming year, Americans expect exports of potato products to increase further. They do this based on the small European potato area and the global spread of the corona epidemic and the expectation that there may be a gradual reduction in trade restrictions as a result.