50% jump in shipments to Mexico leads to strong fresh potato export growth

Led by growth in shipments to Mexico, U.S. fresh potato exports for the year ending in August were up 18%.

U.S. - Mexico containers
U.S. - Mexico containers
(Lindsey Pound)

Led by growth in shipments to Mexico, U.S. fresh potato exports for the year ending Aug. 31 were up 18%.

Total U.S. fresh potato exports from September 2022 through August 2023 amounted to $331.8 million, up 18% from $281.3 million in 2022.

USDA data show strong growth overall for U.S. fresh potato exports driven by Mexico and Canada but declines in certain Asian markets.

The USDA said the top destinations for U.S. fresh potato exports in the last year, (September 2022 through August 2023) were:

  • Mexico — $110.3 million, up 50% from $73.5 million in 2022.
  • Canada — $101 million, up 8% from $93.2 million in 2022,
  • Japan — $20.9 million, down 21% from $26.3 million in 2022.

Other major growth markets in 2023 include:

  • Honduras: — up 96% to $16.6 million.
  • Guatemala — up 45% to $5.8 million.
  • Costa Rica — up 121% to $2.5 million.
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