The export of potatoes continues to lag behind, just like in recent months. This is apparent from the export figures of the Dutch Potato Organization (NAO). The export of ware potatoes continues to be difficult. Seed potatoes are also sold less and here the decline is less sharp.
In March, 54.437 tons of ware potatoes were exported. This brings the season total to 520.922 tonnes. That is 110.000 tons less than last year (-17%). In March, 38.918 tons of potatoes were exported within the EU. Belgium is by far the largest destination for Dutch potatoes with 23.729 tons. A total of 2020 tons of potatoes from the 171.079 harvest went to Belgium. That is a decrease of 41% compared to a year earlier.
Germany and France, other important European destinations, also purchased significantly fewer potatoes than a year earlier. The Germans bought 3.769 tons in March. This brings the total to 69.830 tons, or 12% less than in the 2019/2020 season. Exports to France have fallen by 27%. In March, 2.588 tonnes went to France, bringing the total to date to 24.424 tonnes.
Africa remains on the market
Exports to Africa are doing better than last year. In March, 9.280 tons of potatoes were shipped to that continent. Last year this was 6.903 tons in March. Ivory Coast and Mauritania are the main destinations with 4.543 and 3.863 tonnes respectively. The total for Africa up to and including March is 125.636 tonnes. That is 59% more than in the same period last year. In absolute numbers this amounts to approximately 45.000 additional tons.
Exports to America, at 4.812 tons, have lagged somewhat compared to March 2020 when 6.903 tons were exported. The total this season remains ahead of last season at 53.479 tons. Then, 43.497 tons were exported in the period up to and including March.
Also less seed potatoes sold
Seed potato exports are still doing relatively well, with a decline of 7% compared to a year earlier. A total of 614.903 tons of seed potatoes have been exported up to and including March. Within the EU, 307.565 tons have been exported up to and including March. That is 16.000 tons less than last year.
With 65.501 tons, Belgium is the most important destination so far. It is striking that the Belgians are 10.000 tons ahead of last year. France also purchased approximately 25.256 tons more seed potatoes with 3.300 tons than in the same period last year. With 61.158 tons, Germany is approximately 3.000 tons behind last year.
Important buyers such as Spain and Italy have purchased 7% and 8% less Dutch seed potatoes respectively. The planting season is coming to an end in the countries. There appears to be a significant decline in the potato area in these countries. If this trend continues in Spain and Italy, predictions about a shrinkage of the potato area in Europe could come true.