EU potato acreage falls 12.8% as global prices diverge

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During the third quarter of 2026, fresh potato prices increased in the United States but declined in the European Union and China. International potato product markets remained under pressure from high inventories and low-price competition. The Agricultural Market Research Center of Xinhua Index Research Institute expects prices to rise year on year following reduced cultivation areas, while processed potato markets may recover in the fourth quarter.

United States: Reduced acreage drives fresh potato prices higher
According to Potatoes USA, 51% of Americans consumed potatoes at least weekly in 2026, although consumption among younger consumers increased.

USDA-NASS estimates U.S. potato acreage at 5.2707 million mu for 2026/2027, down 3.81% year on year and at a record low.

In August, average supermarket prices reached US$13.30 per 100 pounds, up 29.13% during the third quarter, 84.72% since February, and 12.71% year on year. Reduced acreage and expected growth in the fries sector could further increase retail prices.

European Union: Potato acreage declines as prices weaken
EU processing potato prices declined during the first half of 2026, contributing to the delisting of the processed potato price index futures contract in June.

EU potato acreage fell 12.78% to 19.4507 million mu, its lowest level in a decade. Acreage across the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and France declined 13.7% to 7.8218 million mu.

Combined with summer heat and drought, reduced cultivation could affect processing capacity and support a recovery in international potato product prices.

In August, the EU’s wholesale potato price index stood at 154.57 points, down 4.40% during the third quarter and 1.94% year on year.

China: Processing prices remain under pressure
Competition and increasing processing capacity have pushed Chinese potato starch and whole-powder prices down by more than 30% since 2024.

By September 30, Dingxi potato starch averaged RMB 6,224.35 (US$932.84) per ton, down 33.27% from its 2023 peak, while whole powder averaged RMB 9,750.21 (US$1,461.22), down 38.22%. In Weichang, corresponding prices were RMB 5,800 (US$869.25) and RMB 9,942.86 (US$1,490.09), respectively.

Between June and August, China imported 8,017.18 tons of potato starch, up 47.65% year on year, at an average price of RMB 6,507.89 (US$975.33) per ton. Whole-powder imports reached 1,601.20 tons, down 10.33%, averaging RMB 13,236.90 (US$1,983.39) per ton.

Fresh potato wholesale prices also weakened. On September 30, the seven-day average in sales markets was RMB 2.29 (US$0.34) per kilogram, down 2.39% in September but up 4.87% year on year. Dingxi prices averaged RMB 1.32 (US$0.20) per kilogram.

With field prices declining despite reduced acreage, the institute expects more potatoes to enter storage and prices to fluctuate within a narrow range in the short term.

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