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Potato updates
Acreage pullback, prices under pressure.
Across AgWest’s territory, drought concerns, contract reductions, and elevated production costs are contributing to a reduction in planted acres. North American Potato Market News projects 2026 U.S. potato acreage at 878,000 acres, down 2.7% from 2025, with the largest reduction in Idaho (‑15,000 acres) and smaller declines across several other states.
USDA data show April 1 U.S. potato stocks at 127.3 million cwt, down 1.4% year over year, driven largely by lower inventories in Washington. Processing use increased 10.4% during February and March, led by frozen products. Fresh shipments continue to run ahead of last year, particularly for Russets, but spot prices remain historically weak. Acreage reductions point toward improved supply balance later in the year. However, near‑term price recovery is unlikely because current potato supplies remain ample.
Profitability
March 11, 2026Potatoes (contracted): Slightly profitable - Bearish 12-month outlook
Potatoes (uncontracted): Unprofitable - Neutral 12-month outlook
Contracted potatoes are supported by stable agreements and processor purchases of overages at $2–$3 per cwt, though margins remain thin.
Uncontracted potatoes remain under significant pressure, with oversupply leaving most growers operating below breakeven despite exceptional yields and quality.
The U.S. is the third-largest exporter of potatoes globally, followed by the European Union and Canada. Potato exports are generally categorized into five types: fresh, dehydrated, frozen, seed and chips. By value, frozen potatoes, most commonly in the form of french fries, make up the largest export category. The primary export destinations for U.S. potato products are Mexico, Japan, Canada and South Korea, which together account for 72% of all exports. Despite this, the U.S. imports more potatoes than it exports. This trade imbalance is typical for vegetables, as the U.S. often runs a trade deficit in most vegetable categories. Most imported potato products are sent to areas in the U.S. with limited potato production or consist of raw potatoes from Canada destined for U.S. processing plants.
Potato production, exports and imports
Source: USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service. U.S. Census Bureau.
Tariff tracker - Tariff rates applied to U.S. trade partners are consistenly updated to reflect policy changes. The World Trade Organization (WTO) tracks duties and tariffs on potato products. For your convenience, the following links will take you to tariff data on prepared, preserved, or frozen potato products (a leading U.S. export for the potato industry) for top markets including Japan and South Korea. Potato products are currently exempt from tariffs with Mexico and Canada under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), but please refer to the U.S. Trade Representative website for up-to-date information. WTO also tracks rates for potato imports to the U.S. Please consult with a trade lawyer or professional for detailed and up-to-date insights on tariff rates and their application to potatoes.
For guidance on interpreting duty and tariff rates, please refer to our Tariff Guide.
Potato updates
Acreage pullback, prices under pressure.
Across AgWest’s territory, drought concerns, contract reductions, and elevated production costs are contributing to a reduction in planted acres. North American Potato Market News projects 2026 U.S. potato acreage at 878,000 acres, down 2.7% from 2025, with the largest reduction in Idaho (‑15,000 acres) and smaller declines across several other states.
USDA data show April 1 U.S. potato stocks at 127.3 million cwt, down 1.4% year over year, driven largely by lower inventories in Washington. Processing use increased 10.4% during February and March, led by frozen products. Fresh shipments continue to run ahead of last year, particularly for Russets, but spot prices remain historically weak. Acreage reductions point toward improved supply balance later in the year. However, near‑term price recovery is unlikely because current potato supplies remain ample.
Profitability
March 11, 2026Potatoes (contracted): Slightly profitable - Bearish 12-month outlook
Potatoes (uncontracted): Unprofitable - Neutral 12-month outlook
Contracted potatoes are supported by stable agreements and processor purchases of overages at $2–$3 per cwt, though margins remain thin.
Uncontracted potatoes remain under significant pressure, with oversupply leaving most growers operating below breakeven despite exceptional yields and quality.
The U.S. is the third-largest exporter of potatoes globally, followed by the European Union and Canada. Potato exports are generally categorized into five types: fresh, dehydrated, frozen, seed and chips. By value, frozen potatoes, most commonly in the form of french fries, make up the largest export category. The primary export destinations for U.S. potato products are Mexico, Japan, Canada and South Korea, which together account for 72% of all exports. Despite this, the U.S. imports more potatoes than it exports. This trade imbalance is typical for vegetables, as the U.S. often runs a trade deficit in most vegetable categories. Most imported potato products are sent to areas in the U.S. with limited potato production or consist of raw potatoes from Canada destined for U.S. processing plants.
Potato production, exports and imports
Source: USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service. U.S. Census Bureau.
Tariff tracker - Tariff rates applied to U.S. trade partners are consistenly updated to reflect policy changes. The World Trade Organization (WTO) tracks duties and tariffs on potato products. For your convenience, the following links will take you to tariff data on prepared, preserved, or frozen potato products (a leading U.S. export for the potato industry) for top markets including Japan and South Korea. Potato products are currently exempt from tariffs with Mexico and Canada under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), but please refer to the U.S. Trade Representative website for up-to-date information. WTO also tracks rates for potato imports to the U.S. Please consult with a trade lawyer or professional for detailed and up-to-date insights on tariff rates and their application to potatoes.
For guidance on interpreting duty and tariff rates, please refer to our Tariff Guide.
