1. Weekly News

Argentina

Argentina’s Potato Sector Faces Profitability Strains Despite Steady Production

In Argentina, 85 thousand hectares (ha) of potatoes are cultivated nationwide, with the southeast of Buenos Aires contributing over half of the total. Central regions like Córdoba and San Luis make up 30%, Tucumán 9%, and Mendoza around 6 to 7%, depending on the season. Roughly 50 to 55% of Argentina’s potato crop is used for direct consumption, 30 to 35% for industrial processing, and 5 to 6% for seed. Mendoza’s Uco Valley is a major supplier of seed and processing varieties, yet producers face profitability challenges. According to the president of the Mendoza Fruit and Vegetable Association, although volumes are steady, prices remain below production costs, impacting growers' financial viability. In Malargüe, seed producers face viral contamination due to reliance on imported varieties, prompting lab investments to improve tuber health over multiple seasons.

Rwanda

Rwanda’s New Potato Variety Cyerekezo Doubles Yields for Greenhouse Farmers

A newly introduced potato seed variety, Cyerekezo, transformed agricultural productivity for high-tech greenhouse farmers in Rwanda’s northern highlands. Cyerekezo has demonstrated nearly double the yield of traditional varieties, producing over 1.5 metric tons (mt) from just 200 kilograms (kg) of seed. Farmers have reported consistent yields of 10 to 15 tubers per plant, compared to 4 to 7 from older seeds, boosting food security and income prospects. Since 2025, Rwanda has introduced 35 new potato varieties, including Cyerekezo and Kazeneza, through initiatives by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) and partners like the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) to enhance yields and climate resilience nationwide.

United States

US Potato Exports See Modest Gains in Key Segments Despite Overall Volume Dip

From Jul-24 to Mar-25 in the 2024/25 marketing year (MY), United States (US) potato exports showed mixed trends. Frozen potato exports increased by 3% year-on-year (YoY), fresh by 1% YoY and seed by 16% YoY. However, there is a significant decline in dehydrated potato exports by 16% YoY and potato chip exports by 17% YoY. Overall export volume dropped by 4% YoY to 2.3 million metric tons (mmt), mainly due to the sharp drop in dehydrated product shipments. Export value also slipped by 1% YoY to USD 1.7 billion. Frozen potatoes, making up 49% of total export volume, saw notable gains to Japan by 9% YoY, South Korea by 11% YoY, Canada by 10% YoY, Taiwan by 13% YoY, Guatemala by 15% YoY, and Saudi Arabia by 4% YoY. Meanwhile, exports to the Philippines and Malaysia fell by 26% and 9% YoY respectively, due to increased competition from China and India.

Fresh potato exports, comprising 20% of total volume, rose sharply to Japan by 76% YoY, Taiwan by 23% YoY, the Dominican Republic by 71% YoY, and Guatemala by 98% YoY, but fell in key Asian markets, including Canada by 19% YoY, South Korea by 20% YoY, the Philippines by 13% YoY, and Malaysia by 37% Yoy, again due to Asian supply competition. Exports to Mexico, the largest buyer of US fresh potatoes, remained flat.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Potato Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Potato Pricing Important Exporters (W23 2024 to W23 2025) 

France

In W23, potato prices remained unchanged week-on-week (WoW) at USD 0.47 /kg but rose 4.44% month-on-month (MoM). The increase was primarily due to cooler-than-average spring temperatures, which delayed the harvest of the new potato season and tightened supply. Producers forecast a 3% YoY decline in 2025 production to 6.6 mmt, down from 6.8 mmt in 2024, further limiting availability. Strong domestic demand from retail and processing sectors, higher import tariffs, and logistical challenges that disrupted foreign supply also contributed to the upward price pressure during this period.

Germany

In W23, Germany’s wholesale potato prices increased 2.99% both WoW and MoM to USD 0.69/kg. The rise was due to steady supply from the new season’s harvest, particularly in key regions like Lower Saxony and Bavaria, where harvesting activities ramped up gradually. This ensured fresh potatoes continued to reach markets without causing supply disruptions. However, moderate demand from processing industries, such as potato chip and frozen product manufacturers, exerted slight downward pressure. Seasonal factors also played a role, as post-holiday consumer demand softened. The balance between stable supply and tempered demand led to a modest price increase.

Pakistan

In W23, potato prices in Pakistan rose by 5.26% WoW and 33.33% MoM to USD 0.20/kg, mainly due to weather-related supply disruptions in key producing regions such as Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which together account for over 80% of the country's potato output. Unseasonal rainfall and localized flooding in these areas delayed harvesting operations and damaged some standing crops, resulting in lower market arrivals. Compounding the problem were rising fuel prices, which increased transportation and handling costs, particularly problematic in a country where overland truck transport dominates agricultural logistics. Moreover, many cold storage operators had offloaded their stocks in earlier weeks due to price stagnation, leaving limited local reserves to stabilize supply. With moderate but steady domestic demand continuing and fewer potatoes entering wholesale markets, traders and retailers raised prices in anticipation of short-term scarcity.

Egypt

In W23, Egypt’s wholesale potato prices surged 42.86% WoW to USD 0.10/kg. This sharp spike stems from a key shortfall in seed supplies, as import volumes dropped by about 25% YoY in 2025 due to the US dollar (USD) crisis, coupled with diminished yields from both imported and local seed stock, causing total output to drop 35 to 40% this season. Farms that previously yielded 14 to 16 mt/acre are now producing just 9 to 12 mt/acre, severely reducing market availability. High inflation and a depreciating Egyptian pound (EGP) further inflated costs, and many farmers, anticipating sustained high prices, are holding onto remaining stocks.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Strengthen Domestic Seed Potato Programs to Reduce Dependence on Imports

Countries like Argentina and Egypt, where growers face viral contamination risks or price instability linked to imported seed varieties, should invest in domestic seed breeding programs. Establishing virus-free seed multiplication centers and collaborating with agricultural research institutions can improve tuber health and seed quality over multiple cycles. This would reduce reliance on external sources, lower costs, and help maintain consistent productivity and quality. Rwanda's successful introduction of high-yielding varieties like Cyerekezo shows how locally adapted, resilient seed types can enhance food security and grower income.

Diversify Export Product Mix and Markets to Mitigate Trade Volatility

The US’ mixed potato export performance with rising seed and frozen shipments but falling dehydrated and chip exports demonstrates the need to diversify product offerings and destination markets. Processors should explore value-added innovations (e.g., ready-to-eat frozen meals or specialty seed varieties) and promote them in emerging markets like Africa and Latin America, where demand is rising. Countries should also strengthen trade ties beyond traditional partners to buffer against competitive pressure from low-cost exporters like China and India.

Improve Supply Chain Resilience through Weather-Adaptive Harvest Planning and Logistics Support

Disruptions in Pakistan, the US, and Egypt caused by unseasonal weather and logistical constraints underline the need for adaptive supply chain planning. Governments and cooperatives should support early warning systems, flexible harvest scheduling, and post-harvest cold storage investments to manage supply timing and reduce spoilage. Subnational coordination with transport and fuel regulators can also help offset distribution cost surges during the crisis. These actions would stabilize supply, reduce price shocks, and improve market efficiency during volatile production periods.

Sources: Tridge, Capital Press, Fresh Plaza, Food Business Africa