Global sales from potatoes exports by country amounted to US$4.12 billion during 2018 for spuds in their raw form. In addition, the value of shipments for prepared or preserved potatoes including frozen French fries represents another $9.95 billion.

Overall, the value of raw potatoes exports declined in value by an average -2.5% for all exporting countries since 2014 when raw potatoes shipments were valued at $4.2 billion. Total prepared or preserved potatoes shipments including frozen French fries appreciated by 15.7% over the same 5-year period.

The 4-digit Harmonized Tariff System code prefix for raw potatoes is 0701. The 6-digit prefix for frozen prepared or preserved potatoes including French fries is 200410 while 200520 is the 6-digit prefix for unfrozen potatoes prepared or preserved with vinegar or acetic acid.

Potatoes Exports by Country: Raw

Below are the 15 countries that exported the highest dollar value worth of unprocessed raw potatoes shipped during 2018.

1. Netherlands: US$807.9 million (19.6% of exported raw potatoes)
2. France: $642 million (15.6%)
3. Germany: $374 million (9.1%)
4. China: $261.2 million (6.3%)
5. Canada: $252.2 million (6.1%)
6. United States: $235.2 million (5.7%)
7. Egypt: $206.9 million (5%)
8. Belgium: $199.4 million (4.8%)
9. Spain: $153.7 million (3.7%)
10. United Kingdom: $144 million (3.5%)
11. Pakistan: $120.9 million (2.9%)
12. Denmark: $70.1 million (1.7%)
13. Israel: $63.4 million (1.5%)
14. India: $57.4 million (1.4%)
15. Belarus: $51.6 million (1.3%)

 

The above countries produced 88.4% of raw potatoes exported during 2018.

Five among the above countries posted increases in the international sales of unprocessed spuds since 2013. Gainers were China (up 120.4%), Egypt (up 32.5%), Canada (up 31.5%), South Africa (up 20.2%) and the United States (up 9.9%).

Of the remaining 10 potatoes suppliers, the fastest decliners were Italy (down -40.3%), Pakistan (down -37.9%), United Kingdom (down -30.2%) and Germany (down -29.6%).

Potatoes Exports by Country: Prepared or Preserved

Frozen prepared or preserved potatoes including French fries amounted to $7.5 billion in export sales for 2018 (thus equaling 80% of the overall prepared or preserved total), while international shipments of unfrozen prepared or preserved potatoes were worth another $2.5 billion (representing 20%).

Below are the 15 countries that exported the highest dollar value worth of prepared or preserved potatoes during 2018, including both frozen and unfrozen goods.

1. Belgium: US$2.26 billion (22.7% of exported prepared/preserved potatoes)
2. Netherlands: $2.25 billion (22.6%)
3. United States: $1.4 billion (14.2%)
4. Canada: $1.2 billion (11.8%)
5. France: $476.9 million (4.8%)
6. Germany: $483.9 million (4.9%)
7. Poland: $324.3 million (3.3%)
8. Argentina: $171.7 million (1.7%)
9. United Kingdom: $301.9 million (3%)
10. New Zealand: $72.9 million (0.7%)
11. Austria: $67.9 million (0.7%)
12. Egypt: $63 million (0.6%)
13. Turkey: $38.1 million (0.4%)
14. India: $20.1 million (0.2%)
15. Denmark: $39.1 million (0.4%)

The 15 countries listed immediately above shipped 92% of all prepared or preserved spuds in 2018, regardless if frozen or unfrozen.

Among the above countries, the fastest-growing frozen prepared/preserved potatoes exporters since 2014 were: Turkey (up 227%), India (up 122.6%), Poland (up 45.4%) and United Kingdom (up 28%).

Four top countries notched up declines in the international sales of exported frozen prepared/preserved potatoes, namely: Egypt (down -15.1%), Denmark (down -13.8%), Argentina (down -10.4%) and New Zealand (down -9.5%).

See also Raw Potatoes Imports by Country, Asparagus Exports by Country, Top Sweet Pepper and Chili Pepper Exports and Top Cucumbers Exporting Countries

Research Sources:
Forbes 2015 Global 2000 rankings, The World’s Biggest Public Companies. Accessed on May 8, 2019

Investopedia, Net Exports Definition. Accessed on May 8, 2019

The World Factbook, Field Listing: Exports – Commodities, Central Intelligence Agency. Accessed on May 8, 2019

Trade Map, International Trade Centre. Accessed on May 8, 2019

Wikipedia, Potato. Accessed on May 8, 2019