The countries around us bought considerably less potatoes in July and August than was the case last year. Exports to Germany in particular decreased. In total, 2023% less of the 11,4 harvest was exported than of the previous year's harvest.
The Dutch Potato Organisation (NAO) combines the summer months of July and August. During that period, the Netherlands exported 101.896 tonnes of consumption and export potatoes. That is 30% less than in the same period a year ago. Of the entire 2023 harvest, the total exported volume amounts to more than 800.000 tonnes. That is more than 100.000 tonnes less than was exported from the 2023 harvest year.
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30% less export in Europe
It is mainly exports to neighbouring European countries that were less this summer. To Belgium, exports fell by 28.106 tonnes to 66.859 tonnes. That is a decrease of 30% compared to last year. To Germany, the decrease is even greater, at 78,4%. Exports amounted to 3.670 tonnes compared to almost 17.000 tonnes last year. France took 11.736 tonnes. That is 12,6% less than in 2023.
In total, European exports amount to just over 86.000 tonnes, compared to 133.500 tonnes last year. To African countries, the export level was actually higher at 5.900 tonnes. Last year, it was 2.127 tonnes. This was mainly because Ivory Coast and Senegal purchased considerably more potatoes. Exports to North and South America remained virtually the same at 8.581 tonnes compared to the previous year. Then, it was 8.700 tonnes.
Import
The Netherlands did import more potatoes in this period. From the 2024 harvest, this amounts to 304.670 tonnes, including 20.000 tonnes of starch potatoes. A year ago, this amounted to over 300.000 tonnes. This is the largest volume in five years.