Dutch exports of table potatoes to Africa rose to almost 8.800 tons in July and August. This represents a 48% increase (2.850 tons) compared to the same period last year, according to figures from the Dutch Potato Organisation (NAO).
The increased exports to Africa are partly due to lower potato prices this season. In July/August 2023, exports dropped to a low of 2.127 tons. The following year, exports increased in those months to 5.916 tons.
Within Africa, there are significant shifts in sales. Senegal is showing some signs of slowing down this time, but Ivory Coast and Mali are buying significantly more Dutch potatoes. Sales to Ivory Coast amount to 3.928 tons, almost 1.600 tons more than last year. Mali is importing 2.186 tons, 1.450 tons more than a year ago. Exports to Senegal are stuck at 450 tons, while the country imported 1.556 tons last year.
Exports to the Americas remain relatively stable compared to previous years. This year, just under 8.500 tons were shipped to this continent, while last year's figure was slightly higher. The largest buyer is Trinidad and Tobago, with 2.768 tons.
Within Europe, sales are lower than last year. This is mainly due to more potatoes being grown locally. For example, sales to Belgium are over 15.000 tons lower than last year, totaling 51.500 tons. France is also showing less interest this year. Sales to this country have more than halved to just over 5.000 tons. Sweden and the United Kingdom are also importing fewer potatoes.
Larger harvests at home haven't led to a decline in buying interest everywhere. For example, Germany bought almost 6.000 tons more potatoes from the Netherlands in July and August. This increases total sales to our eastern neighbors to 9.457 tons.
Potato imports are significantly lower than in previous years. A total of 230.233 tons of table and industrial potatoes were imported in July and August. That's almost a quarter less than a year ago.