Vegetables; potatoes (other than seed), fresh or chilled

HS code 070190 covers the import and export of fresh or chilled potatoes, excluding seed potatoes. Potatoes are a staple food crop grown worldwide and are a crucial component of the global food supply chain. The potato industry plays a significant role in the agricultural sector, contributing to food security, economic development, and employment opportunities across many countries.

Potatoes are typically grown from seed potatoes, which are small potato pieces containing an eye or sprout. Farmers plant the seed potatoes and cultivate the crop, managing factors such as soil quality, irrigation, and pest control. Harvesting involves mechanically digging up the mature potato tubers from the soil. After harvesting, the potatoes are sorted, graded, and prepared for distribution and consumption.

The main inputs required for the potato industry include arable land, seed potatoes, fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural machinery. Farmers also rely on access to water resources for irrigation and a skilled labor force to manage the various stages of potato cultivation and harvesting. Transportation infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, are also crucial for the efficient distribution of the final product.

The primary output of HS code 070190 is fresh or chilled potatoes, which are consumed directly as a food item or used as an ingredient in various processed food products. Potatoes may also be further processed into other potato-based goods, such as 200410 Potatoes; prepared or preserved, frozen, 200520 Potatoes; prepared or preserved, not frozen, or 110510 Potato flour and meal.