In calendar year 2019, the Dutch export engine for potatoes performed better on all fronts. Total exports are 11% higher than in 2018. Exports to Africa in particular improved.
Within the EU, Germany purchased significantly more potatoes in order to cover its own shortages. The total for 2019 is more than 52.000 tons, which is a percentage doubling compared to the previous year. This is the largest volume in recent history. Imports also increased sharply in 2019. This amounts to almost 140.000 tons, compared to 106.575 tons last year.
European sales
Belgium remains the largest buyer of Dutch potatoes, but it purchased less product in 2019. Exports fell by -12%. France purchased a quarter more potatoes. The Eastern European member states also stand out. More than 6.000 tons of potatoes went to Poland, compared to 200 tons in 2018, and Romania also accounted for 6.000 tons, compared to 520 tons in 2018. The Czech Republic went from 242 to just over 2.300 tons.
This brings total European sales to just under 313.000 tons. That is an increase of 21.000 tons compared to the year before. Only in 2012 was the export volume even higher.
African trade
Trade to Africa also went well, with a plus of 27% for calendar year 2019. Senegal purchased 24.000 tons of potatoes in December, compared to 13.000 tons a year earlier. However, the export level cannot measure up to the period 2015-2017. This applies to both Senegal and the whole of Africa.