Large United States Potato Crop and Low Prices Expected to Reduce Canadian Import Demand

The Michigan Potato Industry Commission (MPIC) has reported that U.S. demand for Canadian table potatoes may be lower this year due to a large U.S. crop and extremely low prices.

According to North American Potato Market News (NAPMN), Canadian growers are expected to produce 122.2 million cwt of potatoes in 2025, down 6.0 million cwt (4.7%) from 2024.

United States Chip Potato Outlook

Chip potato supplies and demand appear to be balanced, with Michigan growers beginning to store their crops. Early chip potato yields have been reported as average, though solids are below average. Favorable cool weather in early September supported harvest, but warmer conditions since have created a need for rain to reduce storage issues such as pressure bruising. Forecasts project mid-80°F temperatures with partly sunny skies over the next five days.

Canadian Growing Conditions

Conditions across Canada have been mixed. Prince Edward Island (PEI), New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario experienced insufficient rainfall during the latter part of the season, which limited yield potential. In contrast, the Prairie Provinces and British Columbia reported mostly favorable growing conditions.

Chip potato supplies are expected to be lower in Ontario and Quebec. While the exact sector breakdown is unavailable, total production in these provinces could be down by 4.7%. Tight supplies are also expected in PEI and New Brunswick.

Table Potato Supply Outlook

Combined table potato production in the four major producing provinces could decline by 8.9% or more this year. However, the Prairie Provinces and British Columbia are forecast to see production increases.

Market Shipments

United States packers shipped 1.594 million cwt of table potatoes during the week ending September 13, compared with 1.875 million cwt a year earlier. Michigan packers reported shipments of 33,763 cwt, down from 45,247 cwt during the same week in 2024.