WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Potato growers in the Pacific Northwest are coming off a strong growing season, but industry leaders say increasing overseas competition is becoming a bigger challenge for U.S. exports.
Chris Voight, executive director of the Washington State Potato Commission, says China has emerged as one of the biggest competitors in international potato markets, reducing U.S. sales across the Pacific Rim.
Voight says exports from the region are down roughly 10%, a significant decline for an industry that has traditionally relied on strong demand from overseas buyers.
He notes that U.S. growers previously had to manage export volumes carefully because demand often exceeded supply. But in recent years, China has dramatically expanded its potato production and export capabilities.
According to Voight, Chinese officials view potatoes as a highly sustainable crop. Compared with rice, potatoes produce more food per acre, require significantly less water and generate more food per unit of nitrogen fertilizer, making them an attractive option for expanding domestic food production.
Voight says China has invested heavily in potato research and development in recent years. While he believes U.S. potatoes continue to offer superior quality, China’s lower production costs allow its exporters to compete aggressively on price, putting pressure on U.S. market share and grower profit margins.
