Source: Expana
Between July 2024 and March 2025, US potato exports experienced mixed dynamics across product categories, with modest gains in some segments outweighed by sharp declines in others. According to US Department of Commerce data, total export volume fell by 4% year-over-year to 2.3 million metric tons (fresh weight equivalent), primarily due to a steep reduction in dehydrated potato shipments. Export value also declined slightly, down 1% to $1.7 billion, signaling that volume losses are beginning to pressure overall market performance.
Frozen potatoes remain the cornerstone of US potato exports, accounting for 49% of total volume. Export growth in key Asian and North American markets—including Japan (+9%), South Korea (+11%), Canada (+10%), and Taiwan (+13%)—demonstrates the continued strength of demand for US product in developed markets. Expansion into emerging markets like Guatemala (+15%) and Saudi Arabia (+4%) underscores strategic growth potential in non-traditional destinations. However, notable declines in the Philippines (-26%) and Malaysia (-9%) highlight competitive displacement by lower-cost suppliers, particularly China and India, signaling a growing threat to US share in Southeast Asia.
Between July 2024 and March 2025, US potato exports experienced mixed dynamics across product categories, with modest gains in some segments outweighed by sharp declines in others. According to US Department of Commerce data, total export volume fell by 4% year-over-year to 2.3 million metric tons (fresh weight equivalent), primarily due to a steep reduction in dehydrated potato shipments. Export value also declined slightly, down 1% to $1.7 billion, signaling that volume losses are beginning to pressure overall market performance.
Fresh potato exports, comprising both table stock and chip stock, posted a marginal 1% increase, but market performance varied widely by region. Substantial gains in Japan (+76%), the Dominican Republic (+71%), Taiwan (+23%), and Guatemala (+98%) suggest strong importer response to US product quality or supply gaps in those markets. Meanwhile, sharp contractions in exports to Canada (-19%), South Korea (-20%), the Philippines (-13%), and Malaysia (-37%) reveal increased regional competition and shifting sourcing preferences. Although exports to Mexico were flat, the country remains a strategic anchor, accounting for 43% of all US fresh potato shipments.
The dehydrated category saw the most pronounced contraction, with export volumes down 16%—a loss driven by declines in eight of the top 10 destination markets. Notable pullbacks in Canada, Mexico, Japan, and the UK suggest broader demand softening or substitution from other origins or product forms. Only Indonesia (+127%) and Malaysia (+26%) posted gains.
Written by Holly Bianchi
