Export and import of potatoes are increasing

As of May 1, approximately 710.000 tons of potatoes from the 2017 harvest have been exported. Since 2012, not so many potatoes have been shipped out of the country during this period. More than 80.000 tons of ware potatoes were exported in April. Of this, more than 67.000 tonnes (by far the largest share) were sold within Europe. Yet Africa is and remains important for the export market.

Senegal in particular shows that it is an important export destination. More than 44.000 tons have been exported to the country until April. Just under 10.000 tons more than in the same period last year. However, exports to the country are now at a standstill. Ivory Coast and Mauritania are other major buyers, importing about 3.500 tons per month.

Less so to the UK
The lower exports to the United Kingdom (UK) are significant. Up to April, approximately 6.000 tons have been exported to the country. Significantly less than last year, when 17.000 tons of potatoes were exported. Currently, in addition to the EU-5, the Southern European countries (Italy and Portugal) purchase many Dutch potatoes.

Potato imports for the 2017 harvest are significant. More than 150.000 tons of consumption potatoes have been imported. This increase is partly due to the larger share of imported starch potatoes. That is almost 13.000 tons, compared to 6.000 tons for the 2016 harvest.Potato exports have not been this high since 2012.