The U.S. exported 6.40 million cwt of potatoes and potato products (raw product equivalent) during July. That is 663,000 cwt more than July 2025 exports, an 11.6% increase. It follows a 4.3% decline in June, a 5.8% increase in May, and a 3.9% decline during April. Increased export sales were across the board. French Fry exports rose by 3.4%, to 150.35 million lbs. At 1.62 million cwt, fresh potato shipments jumped by 31.1%. Dehydrated product exports totaled 23.05 million pounds, up 7.5% from the previous year. Potato chip sales climbed 26.7% above year-earlier shipments, to 9.68 million lbs. The value of July potato imports exceeded the value of exports by $44.05 million. That is the smallest July potato trade deficit since 2022.
Chip potato supplies are abundant. There is currently no market for open potatoes. Significant contract volume reductions are expected for the 2027 crop.
Michigan’s potato harvest is moving forward. Approximately 15% of this year’s potato crop has been harvested. Some growers have been storing potatoes for about 10 days, while others plan to start storing potatoes this week. Reports indicate that Michigan’s chip potato yields are above average. In addition, solids and quality are above average. Michigan weather forecasts show temperatures in the mid-70°s for the next three days, then rain showers are expected along with temperatures in the mid-60°s through next Wednesday.
U.S. packers shipped 1.352 million cwt of table potatoes during the holiday-shortened week ending Sept. 12. That is down from 1.636 million cwt shipped a year earlier. Michigan packers shipped 51,190 cwt during the week ending Sept. 12. That is up from 36,238 cwt shipped during the same week in 2025. Last week’s reported Michigan shipments were 100% russets.
Wisconsin packers are selling size A russet potatoes in 10-pound bags for mostly $10 per 50-pound bale, unchanged from last week. They are selling russet 40-70 count cartons for mostly $20 per 50-pound box, also unchanged. The weighted average shipping point price for Idaho Russet Norkotahs is $22.49 per cwt, unchanged from the previous week.
— This report was compiled by North American Potato Market News (NAPMN) for the Michigan Potato Industry Commission