Top 20 Sweet Potato Importing Countries Worldwide

Robert Gultig

12 October 2025

Top 20 Sweet Potato Importing Countries Worldwide

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Written by Robert Gultig

12 October 2025

Introduction:

The global sweet potato market continues to grow, with increasing demand for this versatile and nutritious root vegetable. In 2020, the global sweet potato production reached 114.4 million metric tons, with exports valued at $2.3 billion. Let’s take a closer look at the top 20 sweet potato importing countries worldwide.

Top 20 Sweet Potato Importing Countries Worldwide:

1. United States
– The United States is the largest importer of sweet potatoes, with imports reaching 234,000 metric tons in 2020. The growing popularity of sweet potato fries and other products has driven the demand for imports.

2. United Kingdom
– The United Kingdom imports around 150,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes annually. The increasing awareness of the health benefits of sweet potatoes has fueled the demand in the UK market.

3. Canada
– Canada imports approximately 120,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes each year. The demand for sweet potatoes in Canada has been steadily increasing due to their versatility in various dishes.

4. Japan
– Japan imports around 100,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes annually. The Japanese market values sweet potatoes for their unique flavor and nutritional benefits.

5. Germany
– Germany is a significant importer of sweet potatoes, with imports reaching 80,000 metric tons in 2020. The growing popularity of plant-based diets in Germany has boosted the demand for sweet potatoes.

6. Netherlands
– The Netherlands imports approximately 70,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes each year. The Dutch market values sweet potatoes as a healthy and versatile ingredient in various dishes.

7. France
– France imports around 60,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes annually. The French market has seen a growing interest in sweet potatoes as a substitute for traditional potatoes.

8. Belgium
– Belgium imports approximately 50,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes each year. The Belgian market appreciates sweet potatoes for their nutritional value and culinary versatility.

9. Australia
– Australia imports around 40,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes annually. The Australian market has seen a rise in demand for sweet potatoes due to their health benefits and unique flavor.

10. Spain
– Spain imports approximately 30,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes each year. The Spanish market values sweet potatoes for their culinary versatility and nutritional benefits.

11. South Korea
– South Korea imports around 25,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes annually. The South Korean market has shown an increasing interest in sweet potatoes as a healthy and flavorful ingredient.

12. Italy
– Italy imports approximately 20,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes each year. The Italian market has embraced sweet potatoes as a nutritious and delicious addition to their cuisine.

13. Sweden
– Sweden imports around 15,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes annually. The Swedish market values sweet potatoes for their health benefits and versatility in cooking.

14. Denmark
– Denmark imports approximately 12,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes each year. The Danish market has seen a growing demand for sweet potatoes as a healthy and sustainable food option.

15. Norway
– Norway imports around 10,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes annually. The Norwegian market appreciates sweet potatoes for their nutritional value and versatility in cooking.

16. New Zealand
– New Zealand imports approximately 8,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes each year. The New Zealand market has shown an increasing interest in sweet potatoes as a healthy and flavorful ingredient.

17. Switzerland
– Switzerland imports around 6,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes annually. The Swiss market values sweet potatoes for their nutritional benefits and culinary versatility.

18. Finland
– Finland imports approximately 4,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes each year. The Finnish market has embraced sweet potatoes as a healthy and sustainable food option.

19. Austria
– Austria imports around 3,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes annually. The Austrian market has seen a growing demand for sweet potatoes as a nutritious and delicious ingredient.

20. Poland
– Poland imports approximately 2,000 metric tons of sweet potatoes each year. The Polish market values sweet potatoes for their unique flavor and nutritional benefits.

Insights:

The global demand for sweet potatoes is expected to continue growing, driven by their nutritional benefits and versatility in cooking. As more consumers seek healthy and sustainable food options, the popularity of sweet potatoes is likely to increase. In 2021, the global sweet potato market is projected to reach $2.5 billion in exports, with key importing countries driving the growth. As the sweet potato market evolves, producers and exporters should focus on meeting the demand for high-quality products in key markets to capitalize on the growing opportunities in the industry.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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