Seed potato exports were slower in January than in the previous ten years. In total, less than 60.000 tons were exported last month.
Total exports as of January 31 amounted to 367.836 tons, according to figures from the Dutch Potato Organisation (NAO). This represents a 12% lag compared to the previous season. This lag is primarily due to lower sales in the European Union thus far.
Early exports went quite well this year. Africa, led by Algeria, purchased more seed potatoes than a year ago. Lower sales in Egypt were offset by higher sales in Libya. Sudan also purchased more seed potatoes. Sales to South and Central America more than halved, as Cuba lacked the funds for new seed potato purchases.
Exports to Asia are slightly behind last year. Countries that purchased large quantities of seed potatoes last year are buying less this year. Examples include Iraq and Pakistan, but especially Saudi Arabia. The latter purchased approximately 7.000 tons less than last year. On the other hand, sales to Syria are picking up again and are almost back to pre-regime levels.
In Europe, significantly less seed potatoes were shipped to early regions last month. Spain, Italy, and Portugal purchased less. Exports to Germany were also very quiet. Total sales within the European Union have so far only just exceeded 100.000 tons. Normally, almost a third more is delivered by February 1st. In recent years, EU exports have fluctuated around 130.000 tons at this point.
Regarding sales to other European countries, it is particularly noticeable that fewer seed potatoes were delivered to Turkey and the United Kingdom. In recent years, Turkey has been a major buyer, although last year sales to this country were plagued by rejections. Ultimately, just over 20.000 tons were shipped to Turkey. Sales so far amount to 2.500 tons, compared to 6.600 tons in the same period last year.