The value of all U.S. potato exports rose 7% and reached USD1,755,544,515 for the July 2013 – June 2014 marketing year, while the volume of exports increased 5% to 1,643,618 metric tons (MT), according to United States Potato Board (USPB).
The increase in exports was led by a 10% increase in the value of exports of frozen potato products, which account for 54% of total exports, on a fresh weight equivalent (FWE). The data shows that in the past five years, frozen and dehydrated potatoes have grown as a percentage of total exports at the expense of potato chips.
After starting the year with losses in sales, exports of frozen potato products to Japan rebounded in the second half to end with a 3% increase in volume at 292,455 MT. Exports of frozen potato products to Mexico grew by 22% to 125,655 MT, while the volume of exports to China declined by 2% to 94,132 MT. Exports to Korea continued the excellent growth of the past five years with a 13% increase to 87,552 MT, while the Philippines saw a 48% increase to 50,185 MT.
“Exports are vitally important to the frozen processing industry and the growers who supply them,” emphasized USPB International Marketing Committee Co-Chairman Mike Pink of Washington State. “While sales of frozen potatoes in the United States have remained relatively flat over the past 10 years, exports have grown 95% in volume and 175% in value.”