Netherlands winner on Saudi Arabia fry market despite conflict

The Netherlands was the only country that saw a significant increase in frozen fry exports to Saudi Arabia during March. Total imports were a little over 15% lower, but The Netherlands stood out. India and China both saw large decreases in their export volume. March was the first full month after the start of the conflict in the Middle East, and the war against Iran, which has greatly disrupted world trade and shipping routes. The import figure of 24,120 tonnes frozen fries for Saudi Arabia resembles this. It is a 15.4% reduction compared to the same month last year. Most suppliers shipped fewer tonnes to the country. European fries The Netherlands is the exception to the rule, shipping almost 6,500 tonnes in March to the destination. That is a 13% increase compared to last year. Over a twelve month period, the Dutch exported 5% fewer fries compared to the same period before. Belgium takes second place with a little over 6,000 tonnes. That is 11.4% lower compared to March 2025. The total Belgian export to the country, over the course of twelve months, has now dropped by more than a quarter compared to the same period in 2024-25. France managed to keep their export level stable during March, at 4,780 tonnes, which is a 2% increase compared to 2025. Total exports for 2025-26 are 21% higher compared to the same period before. Bad month for China and India India and China have seen some sizeable growth over a twelve month period to Saudi Arabia. The first shows a plus of 167% and the latter exported 135% more. During March their exports dropped significantly however. India did a quarter less, at 1,750 tonnes, and China saw export levels drop to 240 tonnes, which means a 80% reduction. Preliminary figures show that the Chinese exports dropped even further during April. Neighbouring country Egypt also registered a drop in exports during March. 3,470 tonnes were exported, which is a 7% decline. Another stark decline show the US figures. It exported 75% less fries to Saudi Arabia during March, compared to 2025. Total fry imports over a 12 month period are still 4% up compared to the same period last year. Lower prices Fry prices per tonne show a significant decline for March. The average price level of €1,149 is 14.5% lower compared to March 2025. There is a big price range between the cheapest (China) and most expensive (US) countries. Prices vary from €829 to €2,173 per tonne. Because of these decreases, total values of the trade also declined by almost 30% during March to €27,7 million. This was €38,3 million last year. The Middle East conflict certainly has an impact on the import of frozen fries from all destinations. However, the March-figures for Saudi Arabia show that they did not plummet to rock bottom levels, even showing some increases. Fresh potato imports took a big hit in March, with 92% fewer imports during March at just 264 tonnes. However, this is a trend as imports have been 82% lower so far this year.