North America sees demand for frozen fries increase

Canada and the United States saw a growth in export figures for frozen potatoes products during June. The second quarter shows some growth. Although it isn’t much, the situation is looking more prosperous compared to the EU-4 countries.Canada exported 122,150 tonnes of frozen fries and other potato products during June of this year. That is a 8,958 tonne increase (+7.9%) compared to the previous month. The United States exported nearly 80,000 tonnes, which is also an increase of 9% over the previous month. This is the best result in three months’ time and for Canada the best in four months’ time.Taking over customersThe second quarter has treated the North American processors kindly, with a 2.1% increase compared to the same quarter the year before. Canada managed to ship 17% more frozen products to offshore markets, but a lacklustre demand from the US puts the figures in the red. Their neighbour took 10% less frozen fries. Mexico and Japan were the two biggest customers, which means that the Canadians are taking precious sales from the US. This doesn’t directly show in US figures, which also show a 8% increase for export to Japan in Q2. Mexico took a quarter less, but remains the second largest export market for the Americans. The country imported 8% less produce in the second quarter, of which 83% came from Canada. European processors such as Belgium and Canada have managed to ship more product to the US, but also rising countries; China, India and Egypt have now found their ways to the US.Mexican successCanada export the biggest fries volume in three months to the US, mounting to over 101,000 tonnes in June. Mexico took 7,863 tonnes, which is a 446% increase over the 1.440 tonnes that was purchased in May. Figures from US export are more in line in June compared to May. Japan took marginally more (21,254 tonnes) and Mexico a little under 3,000 tonnes less.