U.S. exports of frozen, dehy and fresh potatoes have all posted modest gains through the first three quarters of the July 2018 – June 2019 marketing year. The impact of the very small 2018 crop in the EU is further increasing demand for U.S. products. However, ongoing trade wars have limited U.S. exports as has the strong U.S. dollar. Strong domestic demand in the U.S. has also constrained available supplies for export.
The volume of frozen potato exports is up less than 1 percent, with strong exports to Japan, Korea and other Asian markets offsetting losses to Mexico. The volume of dehydrated potato exports is up 2 percent, driven by increases to non-traditional markets. Fresh potato exports are up 1 percent, led by increases to Mexico, Canada, Korea and Central America with declines in exports to Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan tempering the gains.
