US export of fresh chip-stock potatoes to Japan reaches record levels

A total of 1,909 metric tons of fresh US chipping potatoes were shipped to Japan under the February – June 2010 shipping window. The 88 containers all arrived in Hiroshima during June and were processed during June and July. The importer reports quality was very good and there were no issues at the port. Hopefully, this successful shipping season will lead to even larger exports in 2011, however, serious increases in exports to Japan will require improvements in the market access agreement, which the US industry is working cooperatively to address.