The potato export figures for June show that less product has left the national borders, compared to the same period last year. The total export figures are therefore also lower than last season. However, the import counter shows an increase.
In the month of June, Dutch potato processors imported a total of 109.231 tons of ware and industrial potatoes. That was 2.882 tons less a year earlier. The plus for imported starch is just under 4.000 tons, while the total volume of that category 'only' comprises 6.641 tons. Total potato exports amounted to 6 tons in the 775.732 months of June. Last year it was 810.713 tons, or 4,3% more.
Lower export figures
Looking at the export figures for consumption and industrial potatoes, only the export to the Americas shows a plus. Up to and including June, almost 49.000 tons were exported, compared to 44.758 tons in the same period last year. Exports within the EU, the rest of Europe and Africa are all lower.
In 6 months, a total of 588.820 tons were exported to other EU countries. Last year, that level was almost 24.000 tons higher. Total European exports amount to almost 596.000 tons (a minus of 21.000 tons). African exports stand at 111.158 tons (a minus of 17.745 tons).
More exports to Belgium
Looking at the EU figures, the countries around us immediately stand out. That's no surprise. Belgium accounted for 32.140 tons. The total export in 6 months will amount to 381.000 tons. That is 27.000 tons more than last year. France and Germany are close to each other with 4.787 and 4.553 tons, but in the export in 6 months Germany leads the way with almost 64.000 tons. France then comes to almost 45.500 tons.
Early harvest lowers exports
The influence of the new harvest is clearly noticeable in the list of export figures. In 6 months, Italy accounted for almost 22.000 tons, but in June exports amounted to only 742 tons. Portugal records 0, as does neighboring Spain. The latter has so far purchased 15.000 tons of Dutch potatoes this year. With 1.700 tons, Sweden is the only other EU country to record above 1.000 tons. The export to the post 'rest of Europe' is perhaps remarkable, because it accounts for a minus of 123 tons.
Senegal also a favorite for potatoes
Besides onions, Senegal is also a favorite for Dutch potatoes. In June, the decrease was just under 4.000 tons, bringing the annual total to 39.000 tons. Mauritania and Ivory Coast are the numbers 2 and 3.