Michigan potato growers will see expanded market access to South Korea, with table stock and chipping potatoes from Michigan and ten additional states now cleared for export, according to a report by Michigan Farm News.
Previously, only fresh and chipping potato growers from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington were able to access the Korean market.
The National Potato Council (NPC) called it a “landmark trade achievement,” noting that it’s been a 19-year process to get this change made. “Although this process began in 2007, our industry and government partners never wavered in their commitment to delivering this result for American growers,” said NPC Vice President of Trade Affairs Brett Jensen, a potato grower from Idaho.
Currently, the South Korean market for U.S. fresh potatoes is valued between $12-$20 million annually, with NPC noting that the is figure historically constrained by quotas and limited state eligibility.
“While total U.S. potato exports to Korea exceed $150 million, the fresh market represents significant untapped potential,” NPC added.
By granting access to major chipping states — including Michigan, North Dakota, and Wisconsin — NPC said the U.S. is better positioned to supply the Korean market during its newly established year-long duty-free access for U.S. chipping potatoes, agreed to under the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement 15 years ago and now finally fully implemented in 2026.
Source: Michigan Farm News. Original report here
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