Fresh potato exports show double-digit growth
Led by double-digit growth in Canada and Mexico, U.S. fresh potato exports soared 17% in value last year.
U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics reveal 2017 U.S. fresh potato exports totaled $238.8 million, up 17% from a year ago.
Volume of fresh potatoes exported in 2017 totaled 544,624 metric tons, up 11% from 2016.
Canada was the top-ranked export market for U.S. fresh potatoes, taking $101 million, up 15% from 2016.
Volume of U.S. fresh potatoes sold to Canada totaled 263,426 metric tons, up 9%.
Sales to Mexico were $41.8 million in 2017, up 14% from 2016. Volume of U.S. fresh potato exports to Mexico totaled 93,350 metric tons, up 2% from 2016.
Sales to other markets, with gains/loss compared with a year ago:
- Taiwan, $22.2 million (19%);
- Japan, $18.47 million (-5%);
- Philippines, $11.9 million (80%);
- South Korea, $8.9 million (160%); and
- Malaysia, $6.5 million (19%).
