Though times for European fry producers

After a peak in July, export levels of frozen fries have come down during August. Most large destinations are putting in fewer orders for potato products produced in Belgium, the Netherlands or France for example. Trumps tariffs are hitting sales, but closer to home there is also less demand to be seen. The picture that the export figures for frozen potato products paint aren’t looking bright for the EU-27 countries. During August 2025 they exported a little over 200,000 tonnes of products, which is a 6.8% decrease compared to the same month last year. In terms of volume, the UK was the biggest single country that took significantly fewer fries. Its purchased volume decreased by almost a fifth. Tariff war reductions In July, the US imported a total of 121,876 tonnes of frozen potato products. That is 5.3% less compared to the month before. Aside from an ample supply of potatoes and potato products in their own country, Trumps tariffs are also showing their effect. Canada sold 5,0000 tonnes less during July (-5%) and Belgium 2,297 tonnes less (-14.5%). Dutch imports remained stable, around 3,500 tonnes, which make them the third biggest player - but considerably behind the other two. For a 12-month period, EU sales figures are still on the positive but this won’t be for long. There was some positive news during the prime summer month. EU export levels significantly increased to Brazil, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. Brazil has shown less interest in European-produced fries this season for multiple months and their buyers are most welcome to the Union. Across North Africa it’s a mixed bag. Saudi Arabia imports remained stable, UAE plussed a little and Kuwait saw a significant decrease of 13%. These are destinations where China and India are currently very active and grabbig sales, leaving European seller behind when it comes to price. Price discounts Price levels of EU frozen fries continue to decrease, with a 10% reduction across the top twenty destinations in July. Prices for fries are now at nearly the same level as they were two seasons ago. Hefty discounts seem to have the desired effect, as Brazil is showing both a healthy export demand and some of the lowest prices being paid. This is also the case with the Dominican Republic. Belgium and France were able to stop the downturn in July, but it appears that August continued the seasonal trend of less demand. This might have a lot to do with seasonal availability of raw potatoes. Over the course of a 12-month period, Belgium now shows a 5.5% decrease in exports and the Netherlands a slightly larger 8% downturn. France is still significantly on the up, mainly due to the massive increase in processing capacity. Appetite for fries The worldwide demand for frozen potato products is still increasing – at least it was until July of this year. However, it’s mainly the emerging exporters that are scooping up orders rather than the established countries. China continues to show a double growth compared to last year and India is not far behind. It is a positive development that the world is showing a healthy demand for potato snacks, but European companies have to find a way to become competitive again in order to be in the game again.