1. Weekly News

South Korea

South Korea Revises GMO Potato Import Approval Amid US Trade Pressure

The South Korean government is revisiting how it approves imports of a genetically-modified (GM) potato developed in the United States (US), reviving controversies from 2018 and 2019. The Commissioner of the Rural Development Administration (RDA) announced that the agency has determined that the GM potato variety meets environmental safety standards, effectively clearing a key hurdle for its import. This decision aligns with renewed trade pressure from the US, sparking concerns about how easily US-grown GM potatoes might enter the South Korean market. Peasant unions have raised alarms, pointing out that the RDA’s environmental risk assessment for the GM variety ‘SPS-Y’ lacks transparency and thorough evaluation.

United Kingdom

Aphid-Borne Virus Affects Scotland's Potato Seed Industry

Aphid-borne viruses such as potato virus Y (PVY) and potato leaf roll virus (PLRV) have long threatened potato production in Scotland. In recent years, certified seed crops, particularly those affected by PLRV, have shown increased disease incidence. Several factors have fueled this rise, most notably the warming climate, a shrinking arsenal of insecticides, and aphids' growing insensitivity to existing products. Although virus levels fell in 2024, with growers downgrading 8.4% of Scottish seed crops and rejecting 0.8%, these figures represent an improvement from 2023. In 2023, downgrades reached 15.4% and failures hit 1.8%.

United States

US Potato Stocks Decreased 6% YoY for Apr-25

As of April 1, 2025, US potato stocks totaled 131 million hundredweight (cwt), marking a 6% decrease compared to the same date in 2024. These stocks represented 31% of the 2024 potato crop, similar to the previous year. Season-to-date disappearance reached 290 million cwt, down 4% year-on-year (YoY). Shrink and loss figures stood at 20.9 million cwt, a 2% decline from the previous year.​ Processing activity remained robust, with processors in eight states utilizing 147 million cwt, a 5% YoY decrease. The San Luis Valley in Colorado reported moderate demand and steady market conditions, with Russet Norkotah potatoes priced between USD 5.50 and 11.00 per 50-pound (lb) carton, depending on size and packaging.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Potato Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Potato Pricing Important Exporters (W16 2024 to W16 2025) 

France

In W16, France's potato prices rose to USD 0.35 per kilogram (kg), reflecting a 2.94% week-on-week (WoW) increase. This price increase is primarily due to supply tightening in the domestic market. The 2024/25 French potato harvest faced challenges due to unfavorable weather conditions, including excessive rainfall in key growing regions like Brittany and the Loire Valley, which reduced yield and quality. As a result, stocks for sale have been lower than expected, pushing prices upward. Moreover, potato demand has been consistent, particularly from processors securing their needs for fresh consumption and processing into products like fries. The increased energy costs and transportation expenses have also contributed to higher retail and wholesale prices, as these factors impact the cost structure throughout the supply chain.

Germany

In W16, Germany's wholesale potato prices remained stable WoW and month-on-month (MoM) at USD 0.66/kg. However, prices have decreased by 12% YoY. Despite that, Germany's potato market will see a slight decline in production and yields in the coming years. The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) forecasts a total potato crop of approximately 10.9 million metric tons (mmt) for 2025, slightly above the multi-year average but a decrease from the previous year's bumper harvest of 12.67 mmt. This decline is due to climate change, which has led to consistently lower average yields over the past five years.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s potato prices dropped significantly by 11.76% WoW and MoM to USD 0.15/kg in W16, reflecting a 28.57% YoY decline. Farmers in Punjab, the country’s key potato-producing region, actively harvested crops, flooding the market with fresh potatoes. Encouraged by favorable returns from the previous season, many farmers expanded their planting areas, while supportive weather conditions contributed to higher yields and increased overall supply. Stable input costs, particularly for fertilizers and fuel, eased the financial burden on producers, allowing them to remain profitable despite lower prices. On the demand side, reduced export interest helped lower external pressure, keeping more supply within domestic channels. Moreover, improvements in the internal distribution system facilitated the efficient movement of produce to key consumption hubs, contributing to balanced market conditions.

Egypt

In W16, Egypt's potato prices remained stable WoW but increased by 9.09% MoM to USD 0.12/kg. The price increase is due to strong export demand, fueled by expanded access to new markets such as Tajikistan and the Balkans and renewed demand in traditional markets like Spain and the Gulf. Exports to Russia also rose, supported by reduced customs duties to curb food inflation. Egypt’s potato exports will grow by 10 to 15% YoY in 2025.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Address GM Potato Approval Transparency

South Korea should improve transparency in its assessment process for GM crops, especially when facing growing international trade pressures. While the environmental safety of the US-developed GM potato has been cleared, the lack of clarity on the criteria for its approval could harm public trust and lead to resistance. To address this, the government should implement a more transparent public consultation process, clearly communicate scientific findings, and open the decision-making stages for public and stakeholder input. Collaborating with independent environmental and agricultural experts for an unbiased review could further enhance credibility. Improving transparency will help build consumer trust in GM products and alleviate trade tensions, potentially easing the US pressure and encouraging smoother future trade relations.

Implement IPM to Combat Aphid-Borne Viruses

Scotland’s potato industry should adopt more robust Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to control aphid populations that spread PVY and PLRV. With climate change aggravating the spread of these viruses and pesticide limitations becoming more stringent, the industry should explore alternative pest control methods such as biological control, resistant potato varieties, and better forecasting systems to predict aphid infestations. Moreover, research into more sustainable pesticides targeting aphids without harming beneficial insects would benefit long-term crop health. By implementing IPM strategies, Scotland can mitigate virus transmission, reduce the need for harmful pesticide use, and maintain healthier crops. This will lead to fewer seed crop downgrades and more consistent potato quality in the market.

Ensure Supply Stability Amid Tight Potato Market

Experiencing rising prices due to tight supply, France’s potato industry should focus on ensuring the stability of its potato supply chain by investing in storage facilities and improving supply chain logistics. Increased storage capacity can help smooth supply gaps during off-seasons or unexpected crop shortfalls. Moreover, the government or industry groups could encourage innovation in potato preservation and storage techniques to extend the shelf life of harvested potatoes and reduce post-harvest losses. Long-term strategies should also include exploring alternative varieties of potatoes that can thrive under changing climate conditions. By stabilizing supply, France can reduce price volatility, support steady income for producers, and provide more reliable access to potatoes for both domestic and export markets.

Sources: Tridge, Fresh Plaza, Farmer Business, USDA