Near-record for European french fry exports this summer

The summer got off to a good start this year for french fry producers in the EU-5. The five countries achieved the second-highest export on record. Exports were more than 6% higher than a year earlier. Apart from Belgium, all countries managed to export significantly more product. Non-European destinations were especially active in the market. After a long period of stagnation, European french fry producers have clearly found their way up again. The five largest countries exported 564,500 tonnes of french fries in June. That is 6.1% more than in the same month last year. It is even the second-highest export ever in one month. Producers are not only helped by strong demand. The price level of frozen french fries is also favorable. In June, it fell by almost 10%, to an average of €1,100 per tonne. That is the lowest price level since October 2022. With almost 250,000 tonnes of french fries, Belgium remains by far the largest exporter, but the country did give up 7.6% in June compared with June 2025. In doing so, it deviates from the trend. The Netherlands follows with almost 184,000 tonnes and did 16% more. France exported 22% more and Germany and Poland 37% and 31% respectively. Large countries buy more Sales to countries within the EU were 3% lower, while countries outside the Union bought 14.5% more french fries. Exports were helped by several large destinations. The United Kingdom came knocking for almost 10% more product, after exports had been somewhat disappointing earlier this year. Over twelve months, exports are 1.2% lower. The United States is number two. This country actually took slightly less product in June. Saudi Arabia bought 30% more french fries and Brazil even doubled its volume. Over twelve months, the volume is now at +32.5% compared with 2024-2025. Within the EU there are also plenty of increases, but the volume was still somewhat disappointing. France took the most french fries, with 59,500 tonnes. That is 32% more than a year earlier. The volume to Belgium even grew by 50%. The Netherlands and Germany also show an increase. It mainly concerns trade flows that move back and forth, especially between the countries with seaports. Looking at the 'real' buyers, Spain and Italy also did quite a bit better with 18.5% and 6.5% more product. French fry prices fall The fact that Belgian french fry exports are the only ones to fall does not have to do with the price level. At an average of €1,038 per tonne, they are by far the cheapest. Compared with June last year, the price level has fallen by more than 6%. France follows at €1,108, which is 11% lower. The Netherlands is at €1,149 and that is 14% lower. Germany and Poland are both still at or above €1,200. French fry prices have clearly fallen and that also applies to the financial value of exports. Over a twelve-month period, this is now 4.5% lower than in the same period before, at €7.25 million. European exports remain higher Figures for the EU-27 are already available for July as well. They show that exports in that month were 3.5% higher than a year earlier. Over a twelve-month period, EU-27 exports are 4.3% lower, while those of the EU-5 are only almost 4% larger than in the 2024-2025 season. EU-27 countries managed to sell more product to South America, Australia, Asia and Africa. North America, the Middle East and Africa show the largest decline. That has everything to do with competition from China and India. European exporters have managed to sell more product especially in South America. This has made this continent more important than the Middle East in terms of volume. Over twelve months, exports are 12% larger, while countries in the Middle East have taken 11% less product. Price levels across Europe are declining. All exporting countries are at €1,107 per tonne of french fries and that is 12% lower than in July 2025. Over twelve months, the average price level is likewise 12% lower. Price differences August, and part of September, still partly contain potatoes from the old harvest. Some of these were purchased at very low prices, allowing factories to achieve excellent margins. In the new season, they have the advantage of lower contract prices. These have fallen by a quarter in the delivered segment and by 18% in week 17. On the other hand, free potatoes and excess kilos are being purchased at higher prices. The question is how much room there is in french fry prices and at what level the EU remains competitive. The Chinese french fry price stood at €911 in July and that of India even at €840. That is still an enormous difference compared with European prices.