NPC urges higher tariffs on Chinese frozen fries amid export surge

The National Potato Council (NPC) has filed formal comments with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), urging action against China’s rapidly growing frozen French fry export capacity.

The submission was filed on May 13 as part of the ongoing Section 301 investigation into Chinese industrial policies linked to structural overcapacity and subsidised exports. According to NPC, China’s frozen fry exports have increased by more than 2,100% in value and over 3,000% in volume during the past seven years.

NPC stated that Chinese frozen fry production is putting pressure on returns for United States fry manufacturers and distorting demand in Asian markets traditionally supplied by the United States.

National Potato Council:

"Chinese frozen fry production is compressing returns for U.S. fry manufacturers and distorting demand in Asian markets that have traditionally been supplied by the United States."
 

Chinese Export Growth in Asian Markets

Data included in the submission highlighted significant increases in Chinese frozen fry exports between 2019 and 2025 across several priority export markets.

• Japan: Increased from USD 5.4 million to more than USD 66 million.
• Philippines: Increased from less than USD 2 million to more than USD 83 million.
• Vietnam: Increased by more than 42,000%.

NPC stated that these developments are raising concerns regarding unfair competition and global market distortions linked to Chinese industrial policies and subsidised overcapacity. 
 

Industry Requests to USTR

To protect the long-term competitiveness of the United States potato industry, NPC requested that USTR:

• Increase the United States tariff on Chinese frozen fries from 43% to 100%.
• Work with international trading partners to develop a coordinated strategy addressing global frozen fry market distortions caused by Chinese overcapacity.

NPC also warned that rising Chinese fry exports could increasingly target the United States domestic market if additional trade measures are not implemented.