India’s frozen french fries exports experienced rapid growth in December 2025, fueled by low global supply costs and competitive pricing at an average ₹92,500 per tonne. From January to November 2025, India exported 251,087 tonnes of frozen french fries worth ₹23,731 million. This marks a 44.9% increase year-over-year, with November alone seeing 24,888 tonnes valued at ₹2,302 million.
Global Frozen French Fries Trade Slows, But India Gains Ground
The world frozen french fries market showed signs of cooling in October 2025, with exports dropping 3.9% to 832,111 tonnes compared to 2024. However, the trailing 12 months reached 9.639 million tonnes, up 1.2%, at an average price of ₹1,22,661 per tonne.
Major exporters struggled: Belgium declined 11.8%, and the US fell 7.8%. In contrast, India’s frozen french fries exports rose 23.1% to 23,546 tonnes in October at ₹93,014 per tonne. China also increased its share, while EU exports to non-UK markets dropped 6.5% in November to ₹1,17,708 per tonne.
India’s Top Buyers Drive Frozen French Fries Exports Boom
Frozen french fries exports from India doubled year-over-year in November and remained robust into December. Southeast Asia and the Gulf led demand.
Here’s a breakdown of top buyers in November 2025:
| Top Buyers (Nov 2025) | Tonnes | Value (₹ million) | Price (₹/tonne) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philippines | 4,548 | 423 | 93,011 | +54.7% |
| Saudi Arabia | 3,640 | 287 | 78,797 | +234.3% |
| Malaysia | 3,008 | 294 | 97,686 | +141.2% |
| UAE | 1,854 | 153 | 82,738 | +49.3% |
| Japan | 1,561 | 156 | 1,00,163 | +92.0% |
The Philippines emerged as the largest buyer, followed by Saudi Arabia with massive gains.
Low Costs Boost India’s Frozen French Fries Trade Edge
India’s imports remained minimal, but it exported 279-302 tonnes to China in December at around ₹1,08,713 per tonne. New processing plants in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, combined with fresh potato prices at ₹12,870 per tonne, kept production costs low.
At ₹92,500 per tonne, India frozen french fries exports undercut China’s December average of ₹88,962 per tonne (39,404 tonnes exported) and EU prices ranging from ₹1,17,708 to ₹1,45,000 per tonne. Aggressive pricing to Saudi Arabia (₹78,797/tonne) captured market share from Belgium and the Netherlands.
Southeast Asia accounted for 52% of November volumes, with strong year-to-date growth in the Philippines (up 95%), Malaysia (26%), Thailand, and Indonesia. Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia and UAE saw explosive jumps, while Japan and China paid premiums up to ₹1,00,163 per tonne.
Challenges and Outlook for India French Fries Exports 2025
Excess global supply could pressure prices further. Yet, December’s momentum, plus potential EU and US tariffs, positions India favorably for 2026 growth in the frozen french fries trade India.
[Image suggestion: Chart of India’s top frozen french fries export destinations. Alt text: “India frozen french fries exports top buyers November 2025”]
For more infor on exports of potatoes check thsi. Global trade data via APEDA.
