Between July 2024 and March 2025, U.S. potato exports displayed varied trends, marked by increases in certain sections while facing declines in others.
Total export volume reduced by 4% year-over-year to 2.3 million metric tons, according to U.S. Department of Commerce data. This downturn is primarily attributed to a significant drop in dehydrated potato shipments. With overall export value down 1% to $1.7 billion, the reduction implies pressure on market performance due to volume losses.
Frozen potatoes accounted for 49% of total volume, maintaining their status as the backbone of U.S. potato exports. Key market growth is evident in Asia and North America, including Japan (+9%), South Korea (+11%), Canada (+10%), and Taiwan (+13%). Emerging markets such as Guatemala (+15%) and Saudi Arabia (+4%) show potential for strategic growth. Nonetheless, declines in the Philippines (-26%) and Malaysia (-9%) suggest increased competition from lower-cost suppliers, notably China and India, impacting U.S. market share in Southeast Asia.
Fresh potato exports experienced a modest 1% increase, with notable regional variations. There were substantial increases in Japan (+76%), the Dominican Republic (+71%), Taiwan (+23%), and Guatemala (+98%). However, exports to Canada (-19%), South Korea (-20%), the Philippines (-13%), and Malaysia (-37%) saw contractions, indicating growing regional competition and shifts in sourcing preferences. Mexico remains consistent, accounting for 43% of U.S. fresh potato exports.
The dehydrated sector contracted by 16%, driven by reductions in most of the top ten markets. Declines in Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the UK suggest demand softening or product substitution, contrasted by gains in Indonesia (+127%) and Malaysia (+26%).
Source: Mintec/Expana