National Potato Council Releases New Report on the Economic Potential of the USA Potato Exports

The National Potato Council (NPC) today revealed its latest report on the economic impact of the USA potato industry. The report assessed the economic contribution of the USA potato and potato product exports and analyzed the role that expanded trade opportunities would have on USA GDP and jobs.

"The Current and Potential Impact of Expanded Potato Exports," authored by economists at Michigan State University, found that:

• current exports of USA potatoes and potato products generate around $4.78 billion in economic activity and support nearly 34,000 domestic jobs;
• moderate and achievable expansions in foreign market access would generate an additional $1 billion in economic activity and support 5,600 more USA jobs.

Bob Mattive, a potato grower from Colorado and NPC’s incoming President:
 

"Potatoes are not only America’s favorite vegetable, they hold the key to unlocking further job growth and economic benefits through a sustained focus on international markets."

"Whenever growers and our allied industry partners talk to Members of Congress or any elected leader, we need to remind them that increased USA potato exports will help drive America’s economic prosperity."

Access to foreign markets is a major economic engine for the USA potato sector, with approximately 20 percent of all USA -grown potatoes exported. The new report found that those exports generate around USD 4.78 billion in economic activity and support nearly 34,000 USA jobs.

Using moderate and achievable expansions in trade access to new and existing trade partners, including Canada, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, and other East Asian and Middle Eastern countries, the report found an additional USD 1 billion and 5,600 domestic jobs could be created by the USA potato industry, a 21 percent increase over current levels.

Kam Quarles, CEO of National Potato Council:

 

"Last year, an economic study published by Michigan State University found that the entire supply chain of the USA potato industry supported tremendous economic benefits and jobs for our country."

"As we come together for the 2024 NPC Washington Summit, those same economists focused narrowly on USA potato exports and identified significant economic returns. Additionally, with access to new or expanded foreign markets, our industry could create even more economic benefits and jobs."

"Based on this information, this week we are taking the message to policymakers that increased foreign market access for USA potatoes will help fight back against a growing ag trade deficit and generate positive benefits for the economy."

The economists analyzed the economic impact of expanded markets using variable scenarios, including a 10 percent increase in exports to Canada, Japan, and South Korea; a 25 percent increase in exports to other East Asia markets, Mexico, and selected countries in the Middle East; and an additional USD 100 million in USA fresh potato exports to Mexico and Japan.
 

Expanded Potato Trade opportunities will generate more than USD 1 billion for USA economy

Growers and industry partners attending the 2024 NPC Washington Summit will take this data to Capitol Hill as they advocate for enhanced export market access for the industry. 

 

National Potato Council Spud Nation Exports

(Click to download the full report | PDF)

National Potato Council Spud Nation Exports