U.S. exports of frozen and fresh potatoes continued to grow in December while dehydrated exports were still down but by a lesser degree. The strong dollar continues to be an issue, but tight exportable supplies are also having an impact on future sales.
Frozen export volume increased 22 per cent in December and is up six per cent for the first six months of the marketing year. Exports for the month were up 27 per cent to Japan, 30 per cent to Taiwan and 59 per cent to Central America. Exports to China and Mexico continued to slip, down 21 per cent and two per cent respectively for December.
Exports of dehydrated potatoes declined 20 per cent in December and are down 21 per cent for the marketing year to date. December exports to Japan were down 37 per cent, to the Philippines down 70 per cent and to Mexico down 14 per cent. Canada is up 10 per cent for the month, but is still down six per cent for the year.
Exports of fresh potatoes, both chip-stock and table-stock, increased 16 per cent in December and are up 26 per cent for the marketing year. Exports for December to Canada were up 26 per cent, with a 47 per cent increase to Central America, 116 per cent to Taiwan and 10 per cent to the Philippines. With the early opening of the Japan shipping window in December, the U.S. exported 5,560 MT of additional chipping potatoes there. Exports to Mexico continues to decline, down 10 per cent for December, with Korea down 49 per cent and Malaysia down 17 per cent.
Source: Northern Plains Potato Growers Association
