China is now allowing importation of U.S. fresh chipping potatoes from the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. China is currently a top 10 export market for U.S. potatoes, primarily in processed products. With a combination of competitive tariffs and enhanced market access, China could become a top five market in the near future, according to the National Potato Council.
In addition, the U.S. can now ship chipping potatoes to Japan year-round. Previously, the import protocol for U.S. chipping potatoes was from Feb. 1 to July 30 each year.
In 2019, the U.S. exported 32,240 metric tons of fresh chipping potatoes, valued at more than $15 million, to Japan.
