Fry export records don’t last long in China as volume grows

Export levels of frozen potato products don’t last long in China with their ever expanding trade in French fries. The export record of October was again broken during November, when volumes reached a level of over 42,000 tonnes. That is a 76% increase compared to a year ago. China exported 42,544 tonnes of frozen potato products (HS code 200410) during November 2025. This is an 18% increase compared to October and significantly more than the 24,178 tonnes that were exported during the same month a year ago. Biggest customers The Philippines is the largest customer of Chinese fries, taking almost 9,000 tonnes during November. Japan follows closely behind, with export levels reaching almost 7,0000 tonnes. However, there are doubts about the reliability of this figure, according to international trade statistics from the harmonised trading system. Indonesia and Thailand take fourth and fifth place in the export list. Most of these large customers took in more volume during November. Compared to a year ago, the net worth of the exports has also increased significantly, by more than 60%. However, the price per tonne did decrease. With average prices between €1,110 and €778 per tonne, China is very competitive compared to North American and European products. Aside from this, it has the geographical advantage in South-East Asia. Slowing sales Outside of its home market there are Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as two important customers. However, the volume of 1,092 and 896 tonnes is significantly lower compared to countries closer to home. Exports to Saudi Arabia have swung between 750 and almost 2,000 tonnes during the last twelve months, making it China’s biggest customer outside the home territory. UAE imports of Chinese fries go up and down month to month, but it is another steady customer for the country. Russia took in 600 tonnes of frozen fries from China, which is a lot more than the 151 tonnes that it imported in October. However, export levels to this country have decreased considerably since early summer. Decreasing imports China's imports reached 1,306 tonnes during November. Most of this is coming from the US, taking 723 tonnes. This is followed by Belgium, who exported 231 tonnes to the country. Since 2024 the amount of fries that China imports has decreased significantly. During a twelve month period total imports are less than 20,000 tonnes, whereas these reached over 40,000 tonnes only two seasons ago.