Seed potato exports 15% lower across the finish line

The Dutch seed potato trading companies have had to make a big difference, especially in Asian destinations. The total tonnage of 80.807 tons is no less than a third less than was exported in 2022. Exports to Africa have been 30% lower. European countries have received 'only' 5,4% less seed potatoes. This amounts to 25.000 tons less starting material.

Decrease not due to shortage
The large decline to Asia does not even have much to do with a shortage of potatoes. The volume to Iraq halved. Syria even goes from 14.400 to 3.600 tons. That has more to do with instability in these countries. Other countries often also purchased slightly fewer potatoes, but shocking differences do not appear on the list.

The impact of Algerian sales on African countries is particularly significant. 24.676 fewer tons went there. Egypt purchased 20.600 tons fewer potatoes and Morocco 8.000 tons. Only Libya received more seed potatoes from our country.

Germany the loser
Of the European countries, Germany in particular is the big loser. 22.000 fewer tons of seed potatoes went there. Of the other major countries, France received 2.500 tons fewer potters and Belgium 4.500 tons. That is special, given the starting situation last season. By shifting volumes, offering alternative varieties and using all sizes, the trading companies have managed to close the gap considerably.

The total volume is still 10.000 tons above the 2018 harvest year, but is the lowest since then. This year, the seed potato area has shrunk by 200 hectares, according to NAK reporting figures. The chance that the harvest and export volume will be this low again is not expected, even though the growing season has been far from ideal so far.

Less consumption, but not shocking
The export figures for consumption potatoes (table, industrial, starch) are still ongoing as the season lasts until August. The total volume may be 11,5% lower until July 1, but it is more than was exported from the 2021 and 2020 harvests. Harvest year '23 was an exception in that respect. If we look at imports, they are actually ahead of last year. The Netherlands imported almost 1 tons until July 120.000. Well 20.000 tons more than a year earlier.

In terms of consumption, European countries have significantly less allocation this season. Here too, the volume is almost a third behind last year. The surrounding countries all purchased fewer potatoes. In terms of volume, the decline is largest in France. African and American countries also bought or received fewer potatoes. Ivory Coast and Senegal bought significantly less product. The volume there fell by 22.000 tonnes.