AMERICAN seed exports have grown considerably over the past year, with notable increases across the Americas and emerging opportunities in Africa, according to S&P Global’s recent assessment, commissioned by Potatoes USA.
From July 2024 to March 2025, Central America saw a 61% increase in exports compared to the previous year which has been attributed to variety trials conducted by Potatoes USA in 2023. Panama and Nicaragua re-entered the US seed potato market for the first time since 2020, importing varieties like Soraya and Golden Globe. These initiatives are part of ongoing efforts to promote US varieties and build strong market presence in the region throughout 2025.
Cuba could become a major US seed potato market outside of Canada. Long-term variety trials are underway and the Golden Globe variety is expected to be registered this year. Other varieties like Eva, Soraya, and Alegria may qualify by 2027. Efforts are also being made to expand beyond traditional markets, with trials underway in the Dominican Republic and Honduras to diversify US seed potato offerings.
Uruguay, a longstanding importer of French Red Magic, has shifted to sourcing seed potatoes from the US owing to production challenges with its previous supplier and continues to show strong interest in red-skinned potatoes. It is particularly enthusiastic about varieties like Chieftain.
In late July 2024, Potatoes USA hosted a reverse trade mission that welcomed seed potato buyers from Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Panama. Participants toured seed farms in North Carolina and Washington, visited storage and lab facilities, and gained insights into US seed potato certification standards, breeding programs, and the role of APHIS regulations.
S&P Global’s recent assessment also identified West Africa as a promising market for US seed potato exports. The US can ship around four weeks earlier than European suppliers to markets such as Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Ghana and grant funding has been secured to develop these export pathways.
