In April, the Dutch seed potato sector further expanded its lead in export compared to last season. The differences between the continents that arose earlier this spring have not changed. The export of consumption and industrial potatoes is slightly behind last season.
The total volume of seed potato exports stood at 30 tons on April 723.362. Figures from the Dutch Potato Organization (Dutch Potato Organization) indicate thisNAO) out. This means that 14.353 tonnes more was exported than on the same date a year earlier, but almost 9.000 tonnes less than the 5-year average.
12% more seed potatoes to Germany
EU countries account for a total of 394.400 tons of seed potatoes. Slightly more than last year, but less than in 2020. Germany is by far the largest customer with 108.234 tons, followed by Belgium with almost 89.000 tons. The former has purchased 12% more starting material, which matches the reports that the potato area in Germany will not change this year. Provisional figures of destiny also indicate that.
Exports to Belgium are slightly lower. France has been a standout throughout the export season. 9.662 tons fewer seed potatoes were exported. This makes it the only really negative outlier in the rankings. Exports to other European countries are about 10.000 tons behind last season. This has everything to do with the fact that the United Kingdom has purchased three quarters fewer potatoes (4.050 tons versus 15.000 tons last season).
Africa has previously had a positive ranking and that remains the case. 50.600 tons more seed potatoes went there than last season. Algeria and Egypt each bought significantly more potatoes. Exports to Asia, on the other hand, are considerably lower than a year earlier. Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Syria have all reduced their seed potato imports.
Switzerland stands out in potato exports
The export of consumer and industrial potatoes is slightly behind last season with a difference of 5000 tons compared to last year (574.736 tons in total). April was good for exports of 66.481 tons. For the EU, the counter stood at 30 tonnes on April 394.257. That is 8% more than a year earlier. The UK has purchased more potatoes for consumption, but it is mainly Switzerland that stands out. This destination accounts for more than 10.000 tons, compared to 73 tons a year earlier. This has everything to do with a poor own harvest in 2021.
African, Asian and American destinations all bought fewer potatoes in the Netherlands, resulting in a lower total. Until April, the Netherlands imported 116.584 tons of potatoes, including starch potatoes. That level is virtually the same as in 2021.