Potato exports are picking up, but big differences

This is evident from the export figures of the Dutch Potato Organization (NAO). Seed potato exports in Europe are largely behind us. A total of 391.872 tons of seed potatoes have been exported to countries within the EU until May. That is 3% less than in the same period last year. Viewed across Europe, exports have shrunk by 5% compared to last year and amount to 440.270 tonnes.

Not fewer sales everywhere
Against this trend, Belgium, Germany and France purchased more Dutch seed potatoes compared to a year earlier. For Belgium this amounts to approximately 4.500 extra tons, Germany 4.900 tons and France even more than 5.400 tons more than last year. These figures are by no means representative of the area development in these countries. It may be an indicator that earlier this month the NEPG predicted area shrinkage is less significant.

Belgium is the largest customer
Belgium remains by far the most important destination for consumption potatoes. In April, the country imported 27.115 tons. That is more than 4.000 tons more than in March. Number 2 Germany follows at a considerable distance with 5.894 tons. This means that exports to Germany are more than 2.000 higher than a month earlier. A total of 44.882 tons were exported to countries in Europe. In March this was 40.167 tons. The total score of this season so far is 32% behind the year before, as far as that says anything in this exceptional corona year.

The export of potatoes to countries outside Europe remains reasonably stable. Africa purchased 8.685 tonnes compared to 9.280 tonnes in March. Over the entire season, 52% more potatoes have already been shipped to Africa compared to 2020. 5.071 tons were exported to the American continent in April. That is almost the same as last month. Trinidad and Tobago is also the most important destination there in April with 1.883 tons.