Are potato exports showing signs of recovery?

This is evident from the export figures of the Dutch Potato Organization (NAO). A total of 56.899 tons of consumer and industrial potatoes were exported in May. The total export of the 2020 harvest up to and including May amounts to 636.725 tons. Exports are 15% behind last year, when around this time the balance stood at 750.323 tonnes.

Sales in Belgium are growing
Belgium is by far the largest buyer and imported 31.607 tons of potatoes in May. That is more than 4.000 tons more than in April. This brings the interim 2020/2021 season total for Belgium to 229.801 tonnes. That is more than 100.000 tons lower than the level in May in the 2019/2020 season.

France and Germany are in 2nd and 3rd place in terms of exports. With 3.222 and 2.789 respectively, these countries follow at a reasonable distance after Belgium. The interim level of seasonal exports to Germany stands at 78.513 tons. That is more than 10.000 tons less than in May last year. France purchased 29.619 tons of potatoes up to and including May, just under 7.000 tons less than last year.

Africa imported 5.324 tons of potatoes. In April this was still 8.685 tons. Ivory Coast was the main destination in May with 2.487 tonnes. Countries on the American continent imported 5.698 tons in May. Trinidad and Tobago was the largest buyer here with 2.621 tonnes.

Exceptions in seed potato exports
Belgium, Germany and France further expanded their lead in seed potato imports last month. Belgium has purchased approximately 11.000 additional tons of seed potatoes compared to last season, and for Germany and France this is 7.000 and 6.000 tons respectively. This is striking, in a year in which various leading authorities expect a (significant) shrinkage in the area of ​​consumption potatoes.

Almost all other European countries have imported less Dutch seed potatoes compared to last year. The total seed potato export for Europe amounts to 452.035 tons. That is 3% lower compared to last season.