Dutch seed potato exports within Europe are slightly behind last season, at just under 3%, according to figures from the Dutch Potato Organization (NAO). The seed potato shortage is therefore not immediately visible in tonnes. This is although the export figures will be somewhat influenced by the average larger size selection this year and may therefore be slightly higher. Looking at sales on the world market, a considerable decline is visible. The export of potatoes for consumption is also lagging behind.
A total of 304.000 tons of seed potatoes were exported to European countries until March 31. That is 2,8% less than at the same time last season. Compared to a month earlier, it is a big difference: at that time, seed potato exports to Europe were still ahead by 14,5%. According to various sources, this is largely because buyers tried to get their seed potatoes in their hands as quickly as possible. This is in view of the seed potato shortage and therefore the fear of not being able to receive the desired tonnes later. It was the Southern European destinations in particular that were the main draw for Dutch seed potatoes.
Greater size selection affects exports
Considering the above-average seed potato yield of the 2022 harvest year and the below-average yield of last year (2023), the export deficit of 3% so far is not too bad and the figure is somewhat remarkable.
However, it must be taken into account that the average size selection is a lot larger this season, which also affects the total export in tonnes. As an example, a lot of 50/60 finds its way, while there is also a lot of cutting in the chip varieties. The NAO export figures include all size-sorted seed potatoes that have been certified by the NAK.
The largest buyer is Italy with more than 55.500 tons of seed potatoes. This is already 4% more than the total volume last season and the difference increases even further with April. Germany purchased more than 51.000 tons, which is virtually the same as last year. Exports to Belgium amount to 55.000 tons and are 21% behind last year. France also purchased 13% less with 27.000 tons of potatoes. The lower exports to our southern neighbors are clearly reflected in the total exports, because many European countries have purchased approximately the same quantities as in other years and the mutual pluses and minuses largely cancel each other out. It is also striking that Spain has purchased 17% more so far.
Exports to countries that are not members of the EU, such as Montenegro, the United Kingdom and Turkey, are also relatively similar to last season, at 48.500 tons. The UK and Turkey purchased slightly more, while nothing was exported to Russia. This is in contrast to last year when 3.500 tons were exported to Russia until March.
Africa and Asia take a third less
Overall, seed potato exports are lagging behind considerably. A total of 586.000 tonnes have been exported this season, compared to 694.000 tonnes last season in the same period. This is a decrease of 15,5%. Exports to Africa have been over for a while and exports to Asia are also almost complete. That is precisely where there is a backlog. Africa purchased 31% less this season, with exports to Egypt almost halving in tonnes. Morocco and Algeria also decreased significantly. Asia has even seen 33% less purchase so far, with exports to Iraq almost halving by 11.000 tonnes. Syria only purchased 3.600 tons, compared to 14.300 tons last season. Pakistan and Bangladesh also decreased by almost half. Exports to the Americas are slightly behind. Despite previous reports, Cuba has purchased the same amount of seed potatoes as the previous season.
Africa is also reflected in the export of consumption potatoes
The export of potatoes for consumption is also lagging behind, according to the NAO export figures. Up to and including March 31, 593.000 tons have been exported, compared to 657.000 tons last season. Or 10% less. This backlog is also partly due to exports to Africa. So far, 66.000 tons have been shipped, compared to 107.000 tons last season. Mauritania is purchasing considerably less at 8.000 tonnes than last season's 21.000, while Senegal and Ivory Coast have also imported considerably less. Exports to European countries are also behind by just under 4% and amount to 466.500 tons. Belgium purchases the largest volume with 323.000 tons.