Mexico: Extreme heat and pests hit potato production in the country
Although a complete shortage is not expected, the impact may be reflected in the price of potato chips, snacks, and fast food throughout 2026.
Mexico will not face a total potato shortage in its markets, but the impact of this problem will be evident. The reduced availability of domestic produce, rising prices, and the increasing presence of imported potatoes in supermarkets, wholesale markets, and retail chains are clear signs of the situation.
The alert was issued by the National Confederation of Potato Producers (CONPAPA), which attributed the decrease in production to factors such as extreme high temperatures, phytosanitary problems and water stress in key states such as Sinaloa and Sonora.
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A major concern for domestic producers is the increase in imports of US potatoes, which they consider to be of lower quality and potentially carry pests.
The effect of heat and pests on Mexican production
The most recent growing season was particularly challenging for potato farmers in the north of the country. High temperatures not only affected tuber development but also increased the incidence of pests and diseases, significantly reducing their size, quality, and yield.
In northern states like Sinaloa, yields fell short of expectations due to these climatic and phytosanitary problems. According to the bulletin published by CONPAPA in April 2026, water and heat stress continues to be a threat to various crops, including potatoes, which are especially vulnerable to variations in temperature and water availability.
Furthermore, other factors are exacerbating the situation. Many producers have begun to reduce their planted areas as a result of recent economic losses stemming from a previous oversupply. This reduction only increases the limited production available for the coming months.
Sinaloa, being one of the country’s main producers, represents a worrying case; any considerable drop in its harvest forces restaurants, snack chains and supermarkets to increase their imports to maintain a stable supply to consumers.
Imports of US potatoes are growing
Faced with declining local production, Mexico has significantly increased its import of foreign potatoes, mainly from the United States.
Data provided by CONPAPA reveals that the country has already imported more than 190,000 tons of US potatoes in recent periods. These figures are directly related to the full opening of the Mexican market to fresh potatoes from the United States, authorized since 2022.
Even the US government estimates an additional 5% growth in its exports to Mexico between 2025 and 2026. This outlook reinforces its objective of consolidating its commercial presence in Mexican territory.
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This increase in imports is causing concern among domestic producers due to the potential health risks posed by some shipments from abroad, which could contain quarantine pests or diseases.
The effects on the consumer and the food sector
The potential decrease in domestic supply comes at a critical time for various sectors related to mass potato consumption, such as restaurants, snack manufacturers, and fast-food businesses. These industries rely on large monthly volumes of the tuber to produce a significant portion of their products.
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