Global sales from potatoes exports by country totaled US$4.1 billion during 2017 for spuds in their raw form. In addition, the value of shipments for prepared or preserved potatoes including frozen French fries represents another $9.3 billion.

Overall, the value of raw potatoes exports declined in value by an average -11.2% for all exporting countries since 2013 when raw potatoes shipments were valued at $4.6 billion. Total prepared or preserved potatoes shipments including frozen French fries appreciated by 6.9% 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 2017:

1. Netherlands: US$799.6 million (19.4% of exported raw potatoes)
2. France: $584.6 million (14.2%)
3. Germany: $387.8 million (9.4%)
4. China: $281.1 million (6.8%)
5. Egypt: $272.7 million (6.6%)
6. United States: $239.1 million (5.8%)
7. Canada: $237.5 million (5.8%)
8. Belgium: $209.9 million (5.1%)
9. United Kingdom: $126.4 million (3.1%)
10. Spain: $105.5 million (2.6%)
11. Israel: $82.9 million (2%)
12. Pakistan: $81 million (2%)
13. Italy: $57 million (1.4%)
14. South Africa: $54.9 million (1.3%)
15. Cyprus: $54.2 million (1.3%)

 

The above countries produced 86.6% of raw potatoes exports in 2017.

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 billion in export sales for 2017 (thus equaling 80.3%), while international shipments of unfrozen prepared or preserved potatoes were worth another $2.3 billion (representing 19.7%).

Below are the 15 countries that exported the highest dollar value worth of prepared or preserved potatoes during 2017, including both frozen and unfrozen goods.

1. Netherlands: US$2.2 billion (23.4% of exported prepared/preserved potatoes)
2. Belgium: $2 billion (21.9%)
3. United States: $1.4 billion (15.3%)
4. Canada: $1.1 billion (11.5%)
5. Germany: $436 million (4.7%)
6. France: $421.2 million (4.5%)
7. Poland: $274.3 million (2.9%)
8. United Kingdom: $266 million (2.9%)
9. Argentina: $171.9 million (1.8%)
10. Spain: $93.4 million (1%)
11. Mexico: $87.7 million (0.9%)
12. New Zealand: $70.1 million (0.8%)
13. Egypt: $69.5 million (0.7%)
14. Austria: $66 million (0.7%)
15. Russia: $54 million (0.6%)

The 15 countries listed immediately above shipped 92.5% of all prepared or preserved spuds in 2017, regardless if frozen or unfrozen.

Fastest-growing among the above countries since 2013 were: Spain (up 105.8%), Austria (up 58.8%), Poland (up 19%), Egypt (up 18.4%) then the Netherlands (up 16.1%).

The five suppliers that experienced declines in their exported prepared or preserved potatoes sales were: Argentina (down -23.8%), Russia (down -22.5%), New Zealand (down -15.3%), Mexico (down -5.9%) and Germany (-5.4%).

One final note to crown the indisputable potato king of international trade: Dutch exporters placed first in the international trade of both raw and processed spuds.

See also Potatoes Imports by Country, Highest Value Dutch Export Products, Asparagus Exports by Country, Top Sweet Pepper and Chili Pepper Exports and Top Cucumbers Exporting Countries

Research Sources:
Trade Map, International Trade Centre. Accessed on May 24, 2018