US exports of frozen potato products to all markets grew 11% by volume and 16% by value for the first quarter (July-September) of the 2012-13 marketing year, according to the United States Potato Board (USPB).
Exports to USPB target markets increased 18%, while those to the rest of the world declined seven percent. Notable increases were seen in the Philippines at 76%, Indonesia at 37%, Japan at 23%, Mexico at 43%, South Korea at 50% and Malaysia at 26%. US market share increased in the Philippines from 53% to 79%, in Japan from 75% to 79% and in Malaysia from 55% to 57%.
But it is important to note, the USPB said, that exports during the three-month period were greatly impacted by prices established from the 2011 harvest when the European Union and other suppliers had a glut, whereas the US was tight on product and high on price. Still, in many of the USPB target markets where the USPB programs, including the "Why Buy US" program, were being implemented, overall demand increased, and the US was able to increase exports and maintain or expand market share.
Frozen potatoes account for over 50% of total US potato exports. Current United States Potato Board Target Markets are: Japan, China, Mexico, South Korea, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
