Consumption potato export continues to lag behind

The export of Dutch consumption potatoes continues to lag behind the facts. Until May 31, the export figures starkly contrast to the past two years. On the other hand, the export of seed potatoes is running smoothly. While Europe dropped the ball last month in terms of seed potato export, the continent is back on track this month. The export of Dutch consumption potatoes just can't seem to get started all year round. Until May, 646,007 tons of the 2024 harvest have been exported compared to 744,263 tons in the same period last year. This means the export volume is over 98,000 tons lower than for the 2023 harvest and even more than 150,000 tons below the level of the 2022 harvest, as shown by recently published figures from the Dutch Potato Organization (NAO). Export of consumption potatoes to Europe drops significantly The majority of consumption potatoes traditionally go to Europe. Until May, 515,450 tons have been exported to Europe. This is over 100,000 tons less than in the same period last year when the Netherlands exported 618,759 tons of consumption potatoes to Europe. Germany in particular imported significantly less. This year, exports to Germany decreased by over 43% to 41,862 tons. Belgium also imported less, with over 346,000 tons of Dutch consumption potatoes heading to our southern neighbors, a decrease of over 22%. France, on the other hand, showed an increase. Over 5% more potatoes were exported from the Netherlands to France than last year, totaling 50,341 tons. While exports to Europe plummeted, they rose towards Africa. With 76,631 tons, exports to the African continent increased by almost 11%. Senegal was mainly responsible for this increase, importing 30,950 tons of potatoes, an increase of over 23%. With a decrease of about 5%, the export of consumption potatoes to America amounted to 53,555 tons. The export to Trinidad and Tobago is mainly responsible for this. With a drop of about 20%, the total export amounted to 12,156 tons. Seed potato export nearly reaches 100,000 tons While the export of consumption potatoes declined, there was an opposite trend for seed potatoes. Until May 31, a total of 823,557 tons of Dutch seed potatoes from the 2024 harvest have been exported. This is a clear increase compared to the same period last year when the figure remained at 718,231 tons. The export volume up to May is currently almost 100,000 tons higher than the total export volume of 2023. With 537,209 tons, Europe remains the main destination for Dutch seed potatoes. The volume is over 50,000 tons more than last year when the figure stood at 485,481 tons. Belgium, Germany, Italy, and France traditionally account for the largest volume, and this remains true. Belgium imported the most on the European continent with 132,181 tons and saw a slight 18% increase compared to last year. Spain also showed a growth of over 13% and reached 51,808 tons. Africa significantly increases seed potato importsAfrica imported a significantly higher amount of Dutch seed potatoes, totaling 162,407 tons. This is an increase of over 23% compared to the 131,628 tons from a year ago. This growth is mainly thanks to Algeria, importing nearly 35% more with 86,544 tons than last year. Egypt also imported over 30% more, reaching 31,211 tons of Dutch seed potatoes. The export to Asia grew by over 23% this year. The largest importer on this continent was Saudi Arabia, which also imported almost 40% more than last year, totaling 25,359 tons. The total export to Asia reached 99,502 tons.