Peru, the birthplace of the potato, continues to strengthen its position in the global potato trade. According to data from ADEX (Peruvian Exporters Association), the country shipped $935,000 worth of potatoes and processed potato products between January and March 2025, reaching 18 international markets. The U.S., Chile, and Spain were the top buyers, accounting for 75.8% of total exports.
Key Markets and Export Trends
- United States – The largest importer, purchasing $404,652 worth of Peruvian potatoes, likely driven by demand for specialty and organic varieties.
- Chile – Second with $198,000, reflecting strong regional trade ties.
- Spain – Ranked third at $105,450, indicating growing European demand for Peruvian potato products.
Other notable destinations included:
- Brazil, Bolivia, and Mexico (key Latin American markets)
- Philippines and Japan (rising Asian demand)
- Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland (high-value European buyers)
Smaller shipments reached Canada, Argentina, UAE, and Aruba, suggesting diversification in trade routes.
Why This Matters for Agriculture Professionals
- Farmers & Agronomists: Peru’s success highlights opportunities for diversifying potato varieties to meet export demand.
- Agricultural Engineers: Innovations in post-harvest processing and storage can enhance export potential.
- Scientists: Research into disease-resistant and climate-adaptive potato strains could further boost trade.
Peru’s potato export growth underscores the crop’s global importance. For farmers and agribusinesses, understanding these trends can open doors to new markets and collaborations. With rising demand in both traditional and emerging economies, strategic investments in quality and logistics will be key to capitalizing on this momentum.
