Potato market in Vietnam

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the potato market volume in Vietnam declined from 417 thousand tonnes to 354.1 thousand tonnes. This occurred alongside the development of the potato processing industry, which shifted from fresh potato consumption to value-added products like fried potatoes. State policy supported potato cultivation through advanced technology to enhance value and food security.

The market recovered in 2021, reaching 387 thousand tonnes, and continued growing to 409.6 thousand tonnes in 2022. This growth was driven by increasing demand for frozen and processed potato products due to changing consumer habits toward convenient foods. Additionally, the expansion of cultivation areas in Lam Dong province, where the area doubled to 2 700 hectares and production reached 76 000 tonnes, boosted domestic supply.

In 2023, the market volume stabilized at 405 thousand tonnes. Demand for processed potato continued to rise, and domestic producers offered frozen products at competitive prices. Foreign companies, such as those from Belgium, showed interest in localizing frozen potato production through technology transfer and plant investments. Research on high-yield potato varieties for processing and fresh consumption continued.

Production potato in Vietnam

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

Vietnam's potato production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 294.1 thousand tons of potatoes, which represents an 11.9% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 3.2%, translating to an average annual decline of 1.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 376.4 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 23.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Vietnam in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, potato production in Vietnam experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 115.1 million US dollars, marking a sharp 28.7% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production actually increased by 11.3%, averaging a 3.6% annual growth rate. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 161.4 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 47.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Vietnam in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports potato from Vietnam

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of decline, Vietnam's potato exports showed an increase. In 2020, export volume reached 1 756 tons, up 15.5% from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 27.2%, averaging a 10.1% annual decline. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 521 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 27.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Vietnam in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Laos and Pakistan remained the leading markets for Vietnam's potato exports in volume terms, together accounting for 80.1% of total shipments, with other partners playing a supplementary role.

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

World map of product's exports from Vietnam in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Vietnam's potato exports in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports registered 687 thousand US dollars, representing a 6.6% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 16.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 845 thousand US dollars, which also saw a 2.8% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 13.0% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Vietnam in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam's potato exports in value terms were primarily directed towards Laos and Pakistan, whose combined share reached 81.7% of total flows, with other destinations playing a secondary role.

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

World map of product's exports from Vietnam in value, 2017-2020

Imports potato to Vietnam

Imports in kind, t

Vietnam's potato imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 61 746 tons, showing a steep 28.8% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 12.3%, averaging a 3.9% annual increase. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 42 707 tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 22.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Vietnam in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017-2020, China was the main supplier of potatoes to Vietnam in volume terms, accounting for 82.1% of total imports, while other partners had relatively modest shares.

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

World map of product's imports to Vietnam in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Vietnam's potato imports in value terms have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 27 668 thousand US dollars, marking a 19.8% gain compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 16.9%, averaging a 5.4% annual growth rate. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 18 701 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 21.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 23.6% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Vietnam in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated Vietnam's potato imports in value terms, accounting for 79.9% of total flows, while other destinations were relatively small.

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

World map of product's imports to Vietnam in value, 2017-2020