Both seed and consumption potato exports also went like clockwork in January, which means that this season is above average. Africa and Asia are already purchasing record quantities of seed potatoes. Belgium and other European countries are crazy about Dutch consumption potatoes.
Consumption potato exports will also continue smoothly in the first month of 2023 with 72.552 tons. This brings the total export volume to 477.489 tons this season, according to figures from the Dutch Potato Organization (NAO). In terms of volume, Europe leads the way with 346.996 tons of potatoes, of which Belgium has already purchased 227.034 tons until January. Last season the counter stood at 151.212 tons. It is also striking that many European countries have already decreased more than in other years. Spain, France, Italy and Portugal in particular purchased significantly more. In Italy, for example, more than 12.000 tons have already been exported across the border, compared to 8.360 tons last year up to and including January.
Potato yields were disappointing this year due to heat and drought and this is now reflected in the export figures. It is striking that exports to Germany are lagging behind compared to last year. Africa and Asia declined about the same amount as last year, with Senegal declining noticeably more. Exports to American destinations are slightly higher than last year.
Significantly more seed potatoes exported
As far as seed potato exports are concerned, it is the other way around. There, the volume going to Africa and Asia is higher and exports to Europe are average. The total export of seed potatoes at 460.394 tons. Last year that was 415.874 tons until January. This season, 188.037 tons have already been exported to Africa, almost 20.000 tons more than last year. Algeria, Egypt and Morocco have performed well on the market. Several countries in Asia also increased their purchases, with exports already reaching 112.349 tons, approximately 28.000 tons more than the same period last year. Saudi Arabia and Iraq decreased significantly more.
Exports to European destinations are in line with last season and 129.444 have been exported so far. There are therefore few major differences visible in the export figures, but exports to these destinations are expected to be lower. The trading houses see this in their sales. Eastern and Southern Europe are most likely purchasing less seed potatoes because they were affected by drought last season and prefer other crops with less risk. Financing potato cultivation is also sometimes seen as an obstacle.