2021 U.S. fresh potato exports soared 13% in value and 19% in volume compared with 2020, USDA numbers say.
The top export market for U.S. fresh potatoes in 2021 was Canada, and shipments there showed an 18% increase in value and a 23% jump in volume, according to the USDA.
Mexico was the second-largest destination for U.S. fresh potatoes, according to USDA data, and U.S. exports there were up 8% in value and 18% higher in volume.
Japan experienced a huge surge in U.S. potato purchases, according to USDA numbers. U.S. fresh potato exports to Japan were up 96% in value and 103% in volume.
Exports sales to Taiwan, however, were down 17% in value and 20% lower in volume, the USDA said.
Value and percentage change of 2021 fresh potato exports compared with 2020 were:
- World: $275.8 million, up 13%;
- Canada: $110.4 million, up 18%;
- Mexico: $60.3 million, up 8%;
- Japan: $25.1 million, up 96%;
- Taiwan: $17.5 million, down 17%;
- Dominican Republic: $9.7 million, up 147%;
- South Korea: $9.6 million, down 11%;
- Honduras: $7.7 million, up 17%;
- Philippines: $6.7 million, down 6%;
- Malaysia: $5.35 million, down 4%;
- Singapore: $3.1 million, up 5%;
- Guatemala: $2.76 million, up 1%;
- Bahamas: $2.6 million, up 1%;
- Hong Kong: $1.7 million, down 17%; and
- Costa Rica: $1.3 million, up 50%.
