Despite the fact that the Western European potato harvest was disappointing last year, growers are having trouble getting rid of their last product. French fries factories have passed the finish line with a whistle. At least, that is the picture that is being painted. The German figures provide some explanation for this.
Between June 2016 and May 2017, Germany exported a total of more than 861.000 tons of potatoes to the Netherlands. A plus of 19%, compared to the same period in 2015-16. At that time it concerned a total volume of 722.000 tons. In 2014-2015 the volume was closer to the current figure at 847.000 tonnes.
Cheap raw material
Apart from the fact that the Dutch potato industry had access to a large volume of German fries potatoes, the potatoes supplied were also relatively cheap. On average, €2016 per tonne was paid in 2017-140. Compare that with Belgium; which purchased potatoes from Germany on average at €187 per tonne.
Quarter more to Belgium
The Belgian industry also draws heavily on the German potato supply, but not nearly as much as the Netherlands does. The June-May period between 2016-2017 was good for a total volume of 218.000 tons to Belgium. Almost a quarter more than in the period a year earlier. This means that the country is on the export list as the second customer. Italy comes in at number 153.000 with a good 3 tons. They also purchased a quarter more in the 12 months between June and May.
Many imports in May
In May of this year, the Netherlands imported 23.338 tons of potatoes from our eastern neighbors, a plus of over 40%. The lowest price is also recorded, with an average of €155 per tonne. Belgium was much less active in the market that month. Exports amounted to 7.639 tons, for which €227 per ton was paid. Denmark takes the cake. She paid €303 per ton for German potatoes. Over 12 months, the average import price for the country will be €205 per tonne.
Eastern Europe is not on the market
The good potato harvest in Eastern Europe, which has also served the French fries industry in the Netherlands well, is also noticeable in the German export figures. For example, potato exports to Poland fell by 55% and those to the Czech Republic even by 38%. France actually recorded a plus of almost 100%, but that concerns a total volume of 6.500 tons.
Starch exports
In addition to consumption potatoes, the Netherlands also imported almost 68.000 tons of starch potatoes from Germany, a plus of 29%. This makes it the largest buyer in the country. Total starch potato exports amounted to 70.300 tons in Germany. Good for an export of €12 million.