U.S.: Sweet Potato Market 2025

Sweet Potato Market Size in the U.S.

The U.S. sweet potato market was estimated at $X in 2021, increasing by 4.8% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

Sweet Potato Production in the U.S.

In value terms, sweet potato production shrank rapidly to $X in 2021. Overall, the total production indicated a mild expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production decreased by -10.8% against 2018 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 35%. Sweet potato production peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

The average yield of sweet potatoes in the United States dropped to X tons per ha in 2021, which is down by -1.5% compared with the previous year. In general, the yield, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the yield increased by 29% against the previous year. As a result, the yield reached the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2020 to 2021, the growth of the average sweet potato yield remained at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, approx. X ha of sweet potatoes were harvested in the United States; picking up by 3.7% against the previous year. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when the harvested area increased by 19%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to sweet potato production attained the maximum at X ha in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, the harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Sweet Potato Exports

Exports from the U.S.

Sweet potato exports from the United States reached X tons in 2021, with an increase of 3.1% compared with the year before. Overall, exports posted a buoyant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 30%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, sweet potato exports shrank modestly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports recorded strong growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 26% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons), Canada (X tons) and the UK (X tons) were the main destinations of sweet potato exports from the United States, together accounting for 89% of total exports. Belgium and Mexico lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 5.9%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Mexico (with a CAGR of +24.6%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Canada ($X), the Netherlands ($X) and the UK ($X) were the largest markets for sweet potato exported from the United States worldwide, with a combined 87% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Belgium and Mexico, which together accounted for a further 6.4%.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Mexico, with a CAGR of +34.4%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average sweet potato export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, dropping by -3.4% against the previous year. In general, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 5.4%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2015 to 2021, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major overseas markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the highest price was recorded for prices to Mexico ($X per ton) and Canada ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the UK ($X per ton) and Belgium ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Mexico (+7.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Sweet Potato Imports

Imports into the U.S.

In 2021, purchases abroad of sweet potatoes was finally on the rise to reach X tons after two years of decline. In general, imports posted strong growth. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, sweet potato imports soared to $X in 2021. Overall, imports showed buoyant growth. As a result, imports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

In 2021, China (X tons) constituted the largest sweet potato supplier to the United States, accounting for a 33% share of total imports. Moreover, sweet potato imports from China exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the Dominican Republic (X tons), twofold. Canada (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 7.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from China stood at +31.7%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the Dominican Republic (-2.3% per year) and Canada (+21.9% per year).

In value terms, China ($X) constituted the largest supplier of sweet potatoes to the United States, comprising 57% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the Dominican Republic ($X), with a 23% share of total imports. It was followed by Canada, with a 7.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from China stood at +25.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the Dominican Republic (+1.9% per year) and Canada (+31.3% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average sweet potato import price amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -42.7% against the previous year. In general, the import price saw a perceptible downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the average import price increased by 30% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Peru ($X per ton), while the price for Canada ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Canada (+7.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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