US Fresh Potatoes Now Allowed Entry into Philippine Market

The government of the Philippines has recently revised its import requirements to allow for the entry of U.S. fresh table-stock potatoes. This announcement comes after four years of work supported by the National Potato Council and the United States Potato Board.

Previous to this change, only fresh U.S. potatoes destined for processing into potato chips were allowed entry into the Philippines, according to a press release.

“NPC, the USPB, and the U.S. potato growers we represent want to recognize and thank the dedicated staff at USDA-APHIS and FAS who worked so hard to gain access for U.S. table-stock potatoes to the Philippines,” said John Keeling, NPC Executive Vice President and CEO.

“The opening of this market is welcome news for the industry, and we appreciate all the hard work of our federal partners to make it happen.” Keeling also noted the important role USDA Technical Assistance for Specialty Crop (TASC) funds played in allowing the industry to help host a delegation of Filipino officials in 2012 to review and inspect the U.S. potato industry. Their favorable report was an important step in this process.

Potatoes are a very popular vegetable and are used in a variety of local dishes in the Philippines. The Philippines had the fastest growing economy in Asia during the first quarter of 2013 with GDP growth at 7.8 percent. Recent economic growth, along with a population approaching 100 million, has driven demand for imported foods in the Philippines.

Filipino consumers increasingly prefer to purchase groceries from modern retail outlets, which provide a convenient format for one-stop shopping. This preference has led to growth in the hypermarket retail format where imported table-stock potatoes are most likely to be sold.

”What is needed now is for U.S. growers and shippers to make contact with the importers in the Philippines,” said Sarah Reece, USPB International Marketing Manager. “From there the USPB must build demand for U.S. potatoes with retailers, the food service industry and consumers in the market. Fortunately the USPB already has program funding in place to do this and will begin right away.”

U.S. Potato Exports