Potato market in South-eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the market for fresh or chilled potatoes in South-eastern Asia remained stable, supported by growing consumer awareness of health and freshness, which retailers emphasized through in-store concepts. The market volume dipped by 2.3% to 2 770 thousand tons in 2020, as COVID-19 pandemic-related farm and factory shutdowns disrupted supply chains, temporarily limiting availability despite increased consumer demand for safe, fresh food.

Recovery followed in 2021, with market volume rising 2.5% to 2 838 thousand tons, aided by the expansion of e-commerce and digital sales channels for fresh produce that improved access. A substantial 7.6% surge to 3 055 thousand tons occurred in 2022, driven by improved labor market conditions boosting consumer spending and a growing middle class seeking higher-quality, fresh food options, alongside the emergence of new retail formats blending online and offline experiences.

In 2023, the market volume contracted by 8.5% to 2 795 thousand tons. This decline coincided with competitive pressures leading to closures of some food service outlets, although trends like plant-based eating and the growth of food delivery services continued to shape consumer preferences.

Production potato in South-eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

Potato production in South-eastern Asia declined after two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 2 290 thousand tonnes of potatoes, representing a 3.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 4.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2 382 thousand tonnes, while the most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 with an 8.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports potato from South-eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The potato export market showed considerable volatility during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 6.7 thousand tonnes, then rebounded to 16.5 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a substantial 146.4% increase compared to the previous year. The peak export volume was recorded in 2017, creating a four-fold difference between the highest and lowest years. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a 54.3% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Pakistan and China served as the primary markets for South-eastern Asia's potato exports, collectively accounting for 1.7% of the region's total export volume.

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

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Potato export values in South-eastern Asia increased following two years of decline. In 2020, the region exported $7.2 million worth of potatoes, representing an 18.3% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export values decreased by 31.6%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 11.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at $6.1 million, while the most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a 27.1% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Pakistan (2.0% of export value), China (1.2% of export value), and Asia, not elsewhere specified (0.8% of export value) collectively represented 4.0% of South-eastern Asia's total potato export value, maintaining their position as the region's principal export destinations.

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

World map of product's exports from South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports potato to South-eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Potato import volumes in South-eastern Asia increased after two years of decline. In 2020, imports reached 496.5 thousand tonnes, showing an 8.2% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 458.9 thousand tonnes, while the most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a 7.7% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, China (50.0% of import volume), Germany (11.7% of import volume), and Pakistan (7.7% of import volume) remained the primary suppliers of potatoes to South-eastern Asia, collectively accounting for 69.3% of the region's total import volume.

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

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Potato import values in South-eastern Asia increased following two years of decline. In 2020, the region imported $201.5 million worth of potatoes, representing a 20.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values increased by 5.2%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at $167.3 million, while the most significant decline occurred in 2018 with an 8.3% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China (43.2% of import value), Germany (11.9% of import value), and the United States (10.7% of import value) served as the main sources of potato imports for South-eastern Asia, collectively accounting for 65.8% of the region's total import value.

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

World map of product's imports to South-eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020