Consumption potato exports to EU up

While seed potato exports are stagnating, the Netherlands is exporting slightly more consumption potatoes to EU countries. Particularly Belgium, Germany, and Italy imported more potatoes from the Netherlands.The total export within the EU rose to 52,554 tonnes in February, according to figures from the Dutch Potato Organization (NAO). This amount is slightly larger than in January. Compared to the same month last year, nearly 5,000 tonnes more were delivered to EU destinations.Belgium, as always, is the largest buyer, with approximately 32,000 tonnes in February. This export is 2,500 tonnes larger than in January. The export to Italy has increased by 2,000 tonnes compared to the previous month to 3,514 tonnes. Exports to Germany increased by nearly 1,600 tonnes to 6,071 tonnes in February.France, Spain, Portugal, and Hungary imported fewer Dutch potatoes last month. After the peak of nearly 13,000 tonnes of consumption potatoes in January, the export to France fell last month to just under 8,000 tonnes. This remains a remarkably large quantity considering the amount of potatoes that France harvested from its own production last year.The sales to Spain fell last month by 500 tonnes to 1,106 tonnes. Similar declines were seen in the exports to Hungary and Portugal. In both countries, imports from the Netherlands halved to less than 500 tonnes.The potato export to distant destinations has also decreased. Ivory Coast imported nearly 3,400 tonnes, but the total sales in Africa remained at 4,832 tonnes. Fewer potatoes were especially sent to Mauritania. Exports to the Americas have dropped to 4,900 tonnes, mainly due to lower sales to the Dominican Republic, while no potatoes were sent to Jamaica. The latter country took just over 1,000 tonnes in January. Due to lower shipments to Africa, the total export of 63,076 tonnes in February is slightly lower than the 66,552 tonnes in the previous month. Compared to February last year, 5,000 tonnes more were exported.