Conpapa Announces Historic Launch of Mexican Potato Exports to the United States

In Mexico, the National Confederation of Potato Producers (Conpapa) is preparing to begin exporting potatoes to the United States for the first time in its history as part of a bilateral agreement, starting in March.

Gildardo González Saldívar, president of Conpapa, stated in an interview with Reporte Índigo that, in this initial phase, 500 hectares have been registered and certified, allowing for the shipment of approximately 15,000 tons of potatoes to the United States. Looking ahead to 2026, the outlook is promising. 

Gildardo González Saldívar:

"We foresee significant investments, as well as an increase in cultivated areas, as part of an ongoing project to continue exporting to the United States."

He emphasized that exporting in March presents a window of opportunity since, between that month and April, there is no potato harvest in the United States, meaning there is no availability of fresh potatoes. 

Gildardo González Saldívar:

"We would be entering a commercial window."

While the goal of these exports is to reach the entire United States, shipments will primarily focus on California, Texas, Arizona, Idaho, Washington, Wisconsin, and Oregon. 

Gildardo González Saldívar:

"As producers, we have 22 states across Mexico harvesting fresh potatoes year-round, producing two million tons annually. Conpapa represents and protects over 8,000 producers, and through them, we have the opportunity to export."

Tariffs from Trump Will Have Little Impact on the Potato Industry 

The potential imposition of tariffs by the U.S. government on agricultural exports would have a limited impact on the Mexican potato sector. 

Gildardo González Saldívar:

"The impact on us would be much smaller since we do not yet have significant export volumes compared to what the United States has achieved in Mexico."

He further stated that they fully support President Claudia Sheinbaum and suggested that, should Mexico choose to respond with tariffs, they should be specifically targeted at U.S. potato imports. 

Gildardo González Saldívar:

"It would significantly affect U.S. producers, particularly in key states that are major potato producers and have supported the new government that took office this January."