Potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

After reaching 67 313 t in 2018, the market volume for potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets in Latin America and the Caribbean contracted over the following years, dropping to 46 327 t by 2021. The initial decline in 2019 was influenced by the R4T disease affecting potato tubers, which disrupted potato supply and raised regional availability risks. Market conditions stabilized in 2020, but tighter regulatory requirements for labeling and product quality imposed across several Latin American countries in 2021 increased compliance costs and further constrained production and commercialization.

A turnaround began in 2022, with the market growing to 51 414 t and then to 57 791 t in 2023. This recovery was propelled by ongoing tariff reductions under regional trade agreements like MERCOSUR, which facilitated imports and enhanced market competition. Simultaneously, rising consumer preference for healthy and functional foods, including clean-label potato flakes, stimulated consumption. Increased innovation and new product launches by regional and multinational companies, focusing on sustainability and clear labeling, also contributed to market expansion.

Production potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets, 2017-2020

Latin America and the Caribbean's production of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 20 477 tonnes, showing minimal change from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 24.3%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 8.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The production value of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets in Latin America and the Caribbean has fallen for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 26 800 thousand US dollars, marking a significant decline of 22.2% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 28.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 402 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 51.8%. In 2020, exports from Latin America and the Caribbean rose to 932 tonnes, an increase of 82.1% from 2019. The peak in 2020 was 2.3 times higher than the 2018 trough.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Japan were the key partner countries for exports in kind of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets from Latin America and the Caribbean, together accounting for 7.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Exports of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets from Latin America and the Caribbean have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 1 220 thousand US dollars, up 41.9% from the prior year. Over the period 2017-2020, exports grew by 6.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 598 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 48.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 43.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the three main markets—the United States, Japan, and Belgium—together absorbed 16.6% of the total export value of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports potato flour, flakes, granules and pellets to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

Latin America and the Caribbean imported 40 374 tonnes of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets in 2020, a slight increase of 1.0% from 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 6.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 39 961 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 8.4%. The maximum value occurred in 2018 at 43 624 tonnes.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (46.1% of imports in kind), Germany (17.6%), and Belgium (10.6%) were the main sources in the geographical breakdown of imports in kind of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets to Latin America and the Caribbean, with a combined share of 74.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, imports of potato flour, flakes, granules, and pellets into Latin America and the Caribbean declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 56 278 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 9.5% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 62 173 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (50.5% of imports in value terms), Germany (18.4%), and Belgium (11.6%) remained the leading sources in the country structure of imports in value terms, with a combined share of 80.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020