The US potato and product exports figures for December 2021 are down, Potatoes USA’s recent data show, reflecting the supply and shipping constraints.

However, from July to December 2021, most US potato and product exports are above the levels for the same period in 2020.

US exports of frozen potato products were off by 12% in December 2021, even though they increased by 9% from July to December 2021 compared to 2020.

“These increases were led by a 41% increase to Canada, a 24% increase to Central America, and a 22% increase to Mexico, reflecting, in part, the easier shipping to these markets. Exports to target markets in Asia were up 3%, led by an 85% increase to the Philippines. The Philippines was severely impacted by COVID-19, resulting in serious declines in 2020, and thus, allowed for more of a rebound. Exports to Japan were up 6%, but due to problems with shipping and tight US supplies, restaurant chains in Japan are limiting fry sales. Significant declines were seen in exports to Korea, down 14%, and Taiwan, down 12%. While both countries had limited impacts from COVID-19 and strong exports in 2020, the problems with shipping and US supplies resulted in declines despite the strong demand. Restaurant chains in both markets are limiting fry sales and switching to alternative sources,” the report shows.

US exports of dehydrated potatoes are not doing as well, the Potatoes USA experts added, ‘because the tight supplies from labor and raw product shortages and logistics issues restricted overall exports’. Total exports were down 9% but did show some improvement in December, off only by 6%.

“All markets in Asia except Korea, up 83%, and Taiwan, up 27%, were down, with the largest market, Japan, down 26%. Both Mexico and Canada, two of the largest markets, were down 3% and 10%, respectively,” according to the same documents.

US exports of fresh potatoes, which include table-stock and potatoes for processing, were very positive. The total was up 16% due to a 23% increase to Canada, the largest market by far, and Mexico, up 20%, despite the continued restrictions to the 26-kilometer border zone.

“Canada did have a 10% decline in December. Exports to Central America were up 37%, led by 104% growth to the Dominican Republic. Exports to Asia varied, with exports to Taiwan, the largest market, down 19%, as significant problems with rejections have limited exporters’ willingness to ship. The Philippines and Thailand were down 20% and 43%, respectively, due to strong competition from low-priced potatoes from China,” according to the same document.

Exports of chipping potatoes to Japan increased 285% due to a reduced harvest on the island of Hokkaido and the expansion to year-round access for U.S. chipping potatoes.