Potato production in New Zealand for 2014 will likely be similar to that from the previous season, which was in the range of a normal crop size. Exports will also likely match those from 2013, which were slightly higher than 2013 exports.Potato production in New Zealand is expected to total 525,000 metric tons in 2013, according to a report by the USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service. That's only five percent more than production from the previous season, and 2014's production is expected to fall between 500,000 and 550,000 metric tons, which is typical for the country.
Exports in 2013 were more than 100,000 metric tons, which was about 15 percent more than what was shipped in 2012. Exporters are expected to hold on to those gains in 2014. The main export destination for New Zealand's potatoes is Australia, where more than half of exports go. The main export destination for New Zealand's fresh potatoes, however, is Fiji, since Australia only receives processed potatoes. Potato exports to Fiji are expected to top 9,000 metric tons in 2014.