Potato Prices Plummet as San Francisco Shipments Arrive
Local farmers see prices drop by two dollars a ton as West Street merchants shift to cheaper California imports.
Business along West street was only fair, notwithstanding that it was the first day after the arrival of the California steamer. But little fruit and produce is being brought up from San Francisco compared with other seasons of the year. The weakness in the potato market, which has been felt for several days, has developed to an extent that farmers are now getting about $2 per ton less for their stock than was paid a week ago. As yet the wholesalers have not generally come down in price, being anxious to close out what was bought at higher figures. The reason for this decline is that potatoes are now being shipped from San Francisco, and can be laid down here at $12 to $13 per ton. In addition to this, farmers are beginning to open their pits and ship to market. No advance in prices is expected for several weeks, as the supply is estimated to be ample.
“The weakness in the potato market, which has been felt for several days, has developed to an extent that farmers are now getting about $2 per ton less for their stock.”
Supply chain shifts have long dictated Seattle’s cost of living. Just as 1894 farmers felt the squeeze of cheaper California produce flowing into West Street (now Alaskan Way), modern residents remain sensitive to how global logistics and regional competition impact the price of staples in local markets.
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