As one of the world’s fastest-growing economic hubs, the Indo-Pacific has become a vital market for American potatoes, fueled by rising demand among the region’s expanding middle class who have an increasing appetite for a wider range of food products.
Baked potatoes, french fries, and potato chips are just a few of the many potato-based products enjoyed by people worldwide. As one of the top crops in the United States, potatoes play a vital role in the country's agriculture. They have also emerged as a key agricultural export, with the Indo-Pacific region being a particularly significant market. This versatile crop not only supports the US economy but also satisfies global demand for diverse potato products. According to the National Potato Council, Indo-Pacific countries such as Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Hong Kong are listed as the top destinations for US potato exports.
From July 2023 to June 2024, US potato export value rose by 4% to $2.3 billion. The increase is evident in all categories, including 4.9% for fresh potatoes, 4.2% for potato chips, 2.2% for dehydrated potatoes, and 19% for seeds. Fresh potatoes and processed potatoes are especially in high demand as their market accounts for more than 60% of the US potato crop each season.
The success of US potatoes in the Indo-Pacific region can be attributed to the superior quality of American-grown potatoes. Climate and latitude of some countries in the Indo-Pacific region do not possess the right climate and latitude to grow potatoes. The United States benefits from ideal growing conditions, advanced agricultural technologies, and stringent quality control measures, ensuring that its potatoes meet the highest standards set by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The top 10 potato-producing states in the United States are Idaho, Washington, Wisconsin, Oregon, North Dakota, Michigan, Colorado, Minnesota, Maine, and Nebraska.
Japan tops the list, as the potato exports to Japan were valued at $450 million in 2024, which consisted of processed potatoes such as potato chips. Furthermore, the connection between Japan and Idaho certainly contributed to the export market value, as Japan is the fourth largest trading partner to the state, one of the largest potato–producers in the country. In November 2024, Idaho Governor Brad Little led a trade mission to Japan aiming to increase Idaho potatoes to Japan by an estimated value of $150 million.
For South Korea, the USDA highlighted the decline in Korean potato production, which paved the way for more potato products to be imported from the United States in 2022. The agency also indicated a strong demand for processed foods, like french fries, in the Korean republic. The total potato exports to South Korea were valued at $153 million.
Next on the list of top destinations for US potato exports is the Philippines. The export market share of potatoes for the Philippines is valued at $135 million. Its market value continues to expand as the United States moves beyond catering to large snack food manufacturers to household consumption. In the Philippines, imported potatoes are mostly used to produce potato chips. In February 2024, the Philippine government approved the increase of potato imports at lower tariffs, which are allocated for some leading food manufacturers for potato chips and increasing opportunities for the United States potatoes’ market expansion.
In addition to the Philippines, Taiwan boasts great potential for American potato products. Potatoes are marketable in Taiwan, given the United States’ position as Taiwan’s largest supplier of agricultural products. In 2024, total agricultural products imported from the United States to Taiwan reached $3.78 billion, with potatoes accounting for $84.92 million of that total. In Taiwan, potatoes are commonly consumed in two popular dishes: crispy french fries and hearty curry rice meals.
As the leading supplier of both fresh and processed potato products to Malaysia, the United States is strategically positioned to meet the expanding demand for various potato products. Malaysia is a growing market both domestically and regionally thanks to its rapidly expanding food processing industry, where food products are exported to neighboring countries. Top products exported to Malaysia include frozen potatoes, french fries, and potato chips. According to the USDA, Malaysia imported $60.6 million in frozen potatoes from the United States in 2022.
As the region continues to grow and evolve, the demand for US potatoes will rise, further solidifying their place as a key player in global agricultural trade. For American farmers and exporters, the Indo-Pacific represents not just a market but a gateway to a prosperous and sustainable future.
Ashiqin Ariffin is a Spring 2025 Young Professional at the East-West Center in Washington. Ashiqin is currently a second-year Master of Journalism student at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver.