Exports pick up as fries prices fall sharply

Stronger frozen fries exports in March lifted the results of the five main European exporters. By selling at significantly lower prices, exporters were able to increase volumes. The price level has not been this low in 3.5 years.The five main exporters shipped 512,293 tonnes of frozen potato products in March. That is 7% more than in February and also slightly more than in March 2025. Total exports in the first quarter of this year amounted to 1.48 million tonnes for the EU-5 countries, compared with 1.4 million tonnes a year earlier. This means exports increased by 6%, equivalent to an additional 78,600 tonnes of fries.The Netherlands stands outThe EU-4 countries all performed better in the first quarter. Poland was the exception. The country exported 15% fewer fries during the period. The Netherlands tops the list, with volume growth of 9% compared with the first quarter of 2025. This amounted to 433,454 tonnes of fries, an increase of 37,500 tonnes. Belgium followed with 6% growth (39,808 tonnes), while France saw exports rise by 6,864 tonnes, equivalent to 4%. In Germany, exports increased by 3,835 tonnes, or 5%.These figures may partly reflect trade flows being redirected within the EU-4. For example, Belgium exported 33,890 tonnes of fries to France in March and 31,783 tonnes to the Netherlands. With just over 38,000 tonnes, the UK remained the largest customer for Belgian exporters. Outside Europe, the US was the largest destination, taking 12,228 tonnes. Brazil and Colombia also imported significant volumes.Record exports to Saudi ArabiaThe Netherlands also supplied more fries to the UK, with exports reaching 25,265 tonnes. In March, 18,851 tonnes went to Germany and 14,438 tonnes to Belgium. Saudi Arabia imported 11,000 tonnes of fries in March. That was the largest volume since September 2023. This is remarkable given the tensions in the Middle East. Exports to the country were expected to decline significantly, but European exporters noticed little impact in March.A considerable volume of fries was also shipped from France to neighbouring Belgium. The volume amounted to almost 17,000 tonnes. The Netherlands ranked second with 9,700 tonnes and Spain third in March with 8,810 tonnes. Germany exported the largest volume of fries to Italy, followed by the Netherlands. At 2,355 tonnes, the volume was considerably smaller.Prices fall sharplyLower fries prices have certainly supported exports. In March, the average Belgian selling price was €1,031 per tonne. Since September 2022, that price has not been this low. Since then, it has consistently remained above €1,000. That threshold is now coming back into view. The French selling price of €1,070 was even the lowest since July 2022. The Netherlands remained well above that level, with an average of €1,228. That is the lowest price in more than three years. This is particularly noteworthy because Dutch export performance can be described as excellent. The higher price level is probably partly linked to the more expensive premium product segment on which many Dutch processors focus.Poland remained just below the €1,200 threshold, with an average price of €1,196, and recorded the largest decline. Compared with February, the price fell by €85 (-6.6%). The French price declined at a similar pace. Germany was the only country to record an increase. There, the average price level stood at €1,310.Cautious optimismIt is still too early to speak of stabilisation. Various factors continue to influence the fries market. Selling prices have fallen to a level that has improved Europe’s competitive position. In March, substantial volumes of fries were still exported to the Middle East. The second quarter is likely to show a different picture. Belgium exported 2,000 tonnes less to Saudi Arabia, while exports to the United Arab Emirates were 89% lower at 190 tonnes. Belgian exports to Qatar fell by 56%.The Netherlands performed much better in Saudi Arabia after a poor start to the year, although exports to other destinations declined. Exports to Kuwait were 46% lower in March, while shipments to the United Arab Emirates fell by 74%. The figures continue to show clearly that the EU-5 countries rely primarily on intra-European trade, with substantial volumes continuing to move between European countries.