US potato exports set record in 2017

Global sales of U.S. potatoes hit a record high in 2017. U.S. potato and potato product exports grew 4.58% in volume and 4.63% in value in 2017 compared to 2016, according to Potatoes USA. Fresh potato exports were up 6% in 2017 while frozen and chip exports up 1%, according to a news release. Exports of all U.S. potatoes and potato products reached a record $1.76 billion for the July 2016-June 2017 marketing year. Growth in world trade in potatoes and potato products averages 8% annually, according to Potatoes USA, and there is room to grow exports. Challenges include the strong U.S. dollar, increasing competition from the European Union and the lack of new trade deals for U.S. products, according to the release. Report by The Packer