Despite a boycott on fruit and vegetables from the Netherlands, the Russians can't get enough of our fries. Demand, and with it imports, are reaching record highs.
In the 12 months to August 2017, Russia imported a total of almost 112.000 tonnes of fries and other frozen potato products. That's a record. Compared to the previous year, 13% more fries were imported. Imports for the month of August also reached a record level: 11.320 tons. 30% more than in the same month last year. The price per ton fell slightly.
New number 1
The Netherlands has taken over the number 1 position on the Russian market from Poland, which is now number 2. A total of 2016 tons of frozen potato products were delivered to the Russians between September 2017 and August 49.000; 8.000 tons more than number 2.
Belgium comes in 9.754rd place with 3 tonnes, but is growing by over 30% in volume turnover. For the Netherlands, that growth is 17%. France managed to double its exports to Russia. Even if it depends on the price, the Dutch can participate well. Dutch fries are expensive. Only the Belgians received more for a ton of fries.
Price fighter
In addition to the EU -5 and Poland, there is another privateer on the coast: Belarus. Exports increased 1% in 140 year. However, the volume is very small. The price is low. Despite this advantage, the country did little trading in August. The Netherlands saw a decrease of almost 40% in August. For Poland it was 30%.
Table potato market
The situation is different for the import of table potatoes. Frozen fries and other potato products are not subject to the EU ban, but fresh potatoes are. The Russians' main supplier is now Egypt. In 2012, the country had an 18% share of Russian imports. That was 62% at the end of August this year; The country shipped 326.064 tons of potatoes to the Russians. China, Azerbaijan, Belarus and Israel complete the top 5.
Egyptian imports increased by 145% in one year. For China this is a growth of 72,5%. After France, Germany and Belgium, Egypt is the fourth largest exporter of table potatoes worldwide. The Netherlands benefits from this indirectly, in the form of seed potato exports to the country.