The export of frozen potato products from the United States (US) is 2021% in the third quarter of 30 compared to the same quarter a year earlier. This was announced by industry organization Potatoes USA last week. But the Americans are not able to capture share in all markets.
The biggest growth in US exports from July to September 2021 will come from Mexico, which purchased 63% more frozen chips and other frozen potato products compared to the same period last year. Exports to Canada and the countries in Central America grew by 52% and 55% respectively. The average growth of exports to Asia was 18%. The Philippines and China were the largest growth markets with an increase of 176% and 28% respectively. Although these markets suffered heavily from the coronavirus in 2020, the contraction of that period has now more than made up for it.
Not growing everywhere
However, not all markets in Asia showed growth. South Korea and Taiwan respectively imported 14% and 3% less frozen chips. According to Potatoes USA, this is because the corona virus had relatively little impact on public life last year and the market held up well in 2020. The demand is still there in both countries, only due to disruptions in logistics and limited stocks in the US, the Americans are unable to fill it completely.
The export of dried potato products is also less prosperous for the US. The two largest destinations, Mexico and Canada, decreased by 7% and 10% compared to a year earlier. The fact that the figures are not disappointing is partly due to the good sales last year, according to Potatoes USA. As with frozen products, problems in logistics and a limited stock of our own are also a factor. Here the trade association also mentions a highly competitive offer from Europe.