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 key component of many national cuisines. As a versatile and nutritious vegetable, the global trade in potatoes is significant, with major producers and exporters including China, India, Russia, and the United States.

Potatoes are typically grown from seed potatoes, which are small potato pieces containing an 'eye' that can sprout. Farmers plant the seed potatoes and cultivate the crop, managing factors like soil quality, irrigation, and pest control. Once the potatoes have matured, they are mechanically harvested, sorted, and prepared for distribution and sale.

The main inputs required for potato production under HS code 070190 include arable land, seed potatoes, fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural machinery such as planters, harvesters, and sorting/packaging equipment. Access to water for irrigation is also a critical input. Producers may also require storage facilities to hold the harvested potatoes before distribution.

The primary output of HS code 070190 is fresh or chilled potatoes, which are consumed directly as a vegetable or used as an ingredient in a wide range of food products. The potatoes may be sold to wholesalers, retailers, or food manufacturers. Other HS codes that may consume the output of 070190 include 200410 Vegetables; potatoes, prepared or preserved, otherwise than by vinegar or acetic acid and 200520 Vegetables; potatoes, prepared or preserved, not frozen.