Dutch potato exports are not yet catching up. This is evident from the figures of the Netherlands Potato Organization (NAO). The export of consumption potatoes within Europe in particular is lagging considerably behind. Seed potato exports are also not going as well as last year, but they are still at a decent level.
A total of 38.154 tons of consumption potatoes were shipped to the EU and other European countries in February. Last year this was still 72.045 tons in this month. Exports are therefore lagging behind last year. Belgium is the most important buyer of Dutch potatoes with 20.634 tons. In the period up to and including February, the Belgians imported 147.350 tons of potatoes. This is a decrease of approximately 45% or 120.000 tons less than over the same period last year.
Decrease in other destinations less extreme
Germany and France, numbers 2 and 3 for Dutch exports, have also purchased less. These markets are much smaller and the decline is also less extreme in percentage terms. For Germany the counter stands at 66.061 tons in the period up to and including February. A year earlier that was 70.304 tons.
France purchased 21.836 tons, compared to 30.108 tons last year. Dutch potatoes have moved to the Iberian Peninsula. Spain and Portugal both purchased approximately 1.000 tons of potatoes in February. Until February, these countries imported approximately 1.000 and 2.400 tonnes more, respectively, than last year.
Export outside Europe is going well
Exports to Africa are going better than last season. Senegal, Ivory Coast and Mali are the most important destinations in Africa. A total of 116.356 tons of potatoes have been shipped to Africa until February. Last year that was 73.546 tons.
America and Asia are relatively small destinations, but more potatoes have also gone there. America accounts for sales of 48.667 tons, more than 11.000 tons more than last year. The counter for Asia so far stands at 13.890, compared to 6.201 tons last year. Exports to countries outside Europe are better than last year, but do not make up for the loss, especially in Belgium.
Seed potatoes are doing relatively well
The export of seed potatoes is doing well, especially given the sentiment among many potato growers. Up to and including February, 176.604 tons of seed potatoes have been exported within the EU. Last year that was 178.450 tons. It should be noted that some Belgian customers have brought forward their deliveries. For a realistic picture, the 20.000 tons must actually be deducted from the total.
Countries around the Mediterranean Sea have so far purchased less seed potatoes. According to insiders, growers of early potatoes have ordered seed potatoes for the normal acreage. Sales of seed potatoes of the chip varieties are starting late. Just like in other regions, growers are postponing orders as long as possible. Seed potato exports outside the EU were largely completed in January. Only small quantities were sent there as follow-up orders.