Up to and including March, the export of Dutch seed potatoes was still ahead of last season. However, the lead has narrowed.
A total of 626.865 tons of seed potatoes were exported this season, according to figures from the Dutch Potato Organization (NAO). Although the lead has shrunk, exports are still 11.962 tonnes ahead of last season. Exports within Europe are virtually the same, at 304.962 tons. One year earlier that was 307.565 tons. A difference of only 2.603 tons.
Germany gains, France loses
Exports to countries in Europe are therefore fairly similar to last season, although some figures stand out. France, for example, is almost 4.500 tons behind last season; currently 20.781 tons have been exported. Enough will still cross the border to France in April, but the 2021 level will no longer be achieved. Exports to Germany, on the other hand, are considerably ahead, with 67.074 tons. This was 61.158 tons last year. Italy and Spain (52.982 tonnes and 35.005 tonnes respectively) are several tonnes behind and will remain so. Belgium - with 62.836 tons - is also more than 2.000 tons behind. Although it is expected that this backlog will increase further this month.
The export of seed potatoes to 'rest of Europe' is also significantly behind last season: 35.356 tons this season compared to 42.770 tons last season. This large difference can mainly be explained by the fact that in the United Kingdom only trade 'without marketing' is allowed. Consumer growers in the country must therefore arrange their imports without intermediaries. At the end of March the counter stood at 3.518 tons. Last season that was 13.454 tons. Russia is also represented, with 815 tons of seed potatoes. Ukraine purchased 406 tons of seed potatoes.
Asia is failing
Exports to countries outside the European area went exceptionally well earlier this year, but are now disappointing. This is mainly due to Asia. A total of 175.896 tons of potatoes were exported to Africa, which is about 50.000 tons more than in 2021 and 2020. Exports to Asia are significantly lower, at 90.545 tons. Last season, 121.459 tons of seed potatoes received the NAK card for destination Asia. Countries such as Iraq, Israel and Saudi Arabia, which are important export destinations, all purchase less. Saudi Arabia even goes from 20.779 tons to 11.319 tons.
Exports to the Americas can add quite a bit. A total of 20.106 tons of seed potatoes were exported. That is more than 2.500 tons more than last season. Cuba had a large share in this. That country saw imports increase by almost 5.000 tons to 11.690 tons.
Exports of consumption potatoes maintain their lead
When it comes to the export of potatoes for consumption, we are ahead in Europe and have even expanded our lead. Exports increased by 46.297 tons in March, bringing the total to 341.688 tons. The seasonal total for Europe is therefore 21.000 tons higher than last year. Exports to other continents are lagging behind previous years. 45.519 tons and 101.806 tons were exported to America and Africa respectively. Asia is also lagging behind. This brings the export of consumption potatoes to 508.255 tons. Last season that was 520.922 tons.