The latest seed potato export figures do not contain any major shifts. In the month of May, more than 10.000 tons of seed potatoes were exported. This is apparent from the export figures published by the Dutch Potato Organization today (Friday 17 June).
Of the seed potatoes exported by the Netherlands in May, approximately two-thirds remained in the EU. In the provisional status of seed potato exports, Germany is the largest buyer with 111.369 tons. Last year the counter for our eastern neighbors ended at 98.425 tons. Belgium follows at some distance with 90.580 tons. Belgium therefore imported 10% less seed potatoes compared to a year earlier. Italy and Spain follow at a considerable distance with 55.595 and 39.017 tonnes. France has imported significantly less seed potatoes this season. Up to and including May, 26.066 tons went to France, more than 11.000 tons less than last season. Over the entire season, African countries imported approximately 50.000 tonnes more seed potatoes than last season. This more than makes up for the smaller export of approximately 30.000 to Asia.
The gap in exports of consumer and industrial potatoes compared to the previous season has increased slightly. A total of 54.945 tons were exported. Of this, 44.668 tonnes remained in the EU. That brings the total to date to 629.681 tons. This means that exports are also lagging behind the five-year average, which is well above 700.000 tot for this month.