Total seed potato export breaks record in 2022/23

The reason for the large volume in May is due to the late spring in Europe. Our eastern and southern neighbors have therefore purchased some of the seed potatoes later than in other years. With more than 48.000 tons in May, the total seed potato export this season amounts to 855.288 tons. That is considerably more than in recent years and the highest to date. The 2017/18 season held the record so far with an export total of more than 823.000 tons.

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It became clear early on this export season that overseas exports were going well, just like last year. A total of 192.166 tonnes were shipped to Africa this year, 16.000 tonnes more than in 2021/22. Algeria accounts for almost half of the decrease and overall, African countries decreased more than last year. Asia also purchased a considerable volume with 121.084 tonnes up to and including May. That is considerably more than last season's 94.685 tons. Saudi Arabia and Iraq both purchased more, amounting to more than 20.000 tons, the NAO reports.
 

Europe surprises in exports
However, it is Europe that is particularly surprising in the figures. Within Europe, 460.881 tons were exported, which is 60.000 tons or 15% higher than last season. It was previously expected that Europe would purchase less seed potatoes, partly due to the drought that prevailed last summer. The expectation was that potato cultivation in the south and east of Europe would decline and other crops with better balances and less risk would be chosen. For example, grain prices were still a lot higher at the time. If we look at exports per country, we see that almost all countries have purchased the same volumes or more. Italy is one of the few countries that consumes less. This is 3.000 tons less.

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The largest increase in exports comes from our neighboring countries. With more than 16.000 tons in May, this brings the total to almost 120.000 tons for Belgium. That is considerably more than in previous years and with it the country dethrones Germany as the largest customer. Our eastern neighbors purchase only a few tons less than Belgium. Germany was far behind this season until May, but with more than 23.000 tons last month, the quantity is the same as last season.

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The other countries around Europe or that are not within the European Union are also purchasing significantly more: 58.638 tons this season compared to 40.386 in 2021/22. That is an increase of 45%. The increase is mainly due to Turkey, which purchased more than 11.000 tons more than last season. This means that total exports to the country have almost doubled. The United Kingdom, Switzerland and Russia also purchase more. This export season, 22.519 tons were shipped to America.

Ware potatoes
The export of potatoes for consumption also remains far ahead of other years. In May, 97.054 tons crossed the Dutch border, bringing the total up to and including May to 855.497 tons. That is considerably more than in other years, while the counter will continue in the near future. A total of 87.852 tonnes was destined for Europe and Belgium, with 52.642 tonnes, is the largest buyer, just like in previous months. Belgium's seasonal total therefore already stands at 435.923 tonnes. France follows as number 2 with 12.757 tons in May and a total export of 62.950 tons.