The export of French fries from the European Union (EU) peaks in the first quarter of the new marketing season. The record is almost entirely due to the Netherlands.
The European Statistical Service (Eurostat) has published figures for the first quarter (between July and September) for the new marketing year 2017/2018. This shows that 289.000 tons of fries were exported by the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. This means an increase of 15.000 tons compared to the start of the season last year, a plus of 5%.
Largest shareholder
The Netherlands increases its share from 138.000 tons to 150.000 tons. This makes it the biggest climber. Belgium keeps its volume the same at 120.000 tons. Germany increases its share by 2.000 tons, to 18.000 tons of chip exports. Other EU countries played no role in terms of sales.
In 7 years, the 3 countries have more than doubled the export volume, a strong example of work. For comparison: in the first quarter of 2008/2009, the Netherlands exported 41.000 tons of fries and Belgium 29.000 tons. Germany only joined the list in the 2013/2014 season.
Lack of Brazil taken care of
The largest buyer of chips from the EU was Saudi Arabia, with 39.000 tonnes. Brazil and Chile followed with 36.000 tons and 19.000 tons respectively. The volume to these 3 destinations decreased slightly, and in the case of Brazil even decreased sharply. This is as a result of the anti-dumping measures on fries. Significantly more was exported to Australia, Russia and Japan. The destinations each accounted for a volume of around 13.000 tons.
Eurostat has not yet published any figures for the European market (for September). For the time being, the United Kingdom is the largest buyer of chips in calendar year 2017, with a volume of 630.000 tons. France follows with 420.000 tons and Spain closes the top 200.000 with 3 tons.