World
Horticultural
Trade and U.S. Export
Opportunities
Both quantity and value of U.S. frozen
potato fry exports attained records of almost 475,000
metric tons and $350 million in marketing year 1998/99.
During the past 10 years, the quantity and value of U.S.
frozen potato fry exports have consistently increased,
particularly to East Asia, where the number of
quick-service restaurants has expanded significantly. In
1998/99, East Asian countries accounted for over 80
percent of U.S. fry exports. Japan alone accounted for
half of U.S. fry shipments with sales increasing to $180
million from $150 million after a year of sluggish sales
following the Asian financial crisis. Unlike the previous
year, export sales also increased for most of the other
Asian markets, including China, Korea, and Taiwan.
Expansion of the international fast-food industry,
product quality, rising incomes, tariff reductions, and
ongoing Market Access Program activities should continue
to propel demand for U.S. frozen potato fries.
