The National Confederation of Potato Producers (Conpapa) in Mexico is set to commence potato exports to the United States under a bilateral agreement starting in March. Conpapa president, Gildardo González Saldívar, revealed that 500 hectares are registered and certified for this initial phase, allowing approximately 15,000 tons of potatoes to be shipped.
Gildardo González Saldívar stated, "We foresee significant investments, as well as an increase in cultivated areas, as part of an ongoing project to continue exporting to the United States." He noted the strategic timing of exports in March, as the U.S. does not have a potato harvest during this period, creating a market window. "We would be entering a commercial window," he added.
The export focus will primarily be on states such as California, Texas, Arizona, Idaho, Washington, Wisconsin, and Oregon. "As producers, we have 22 states across Mexico harvesting fresh potatoes year-round, producing two million tons annually. Conpapa represents and protects over 8,000 producers, and through them, we have the opportunity to export," González Saldívar explained.
Regarding potential U.S. tariffs, Gildardo González Saldívar commented, "The impact on us would be much smaller since we do not yet have significant export volumes compared to what the United States has achieved in Mexico." He expressed support for President Claudia Sheinbaum and suggested that any Mexican tariffs in response should target U.S. potato imports. "It would significantly affect U.S. producers, particularly in key states that are major potato producers and have supported the new government that took office this January," he stated.
Source: potatoPRO