Seed potato exports recover towards normal levels in February and March, but lag behind last year and the average. Differences by sales market remain significant. Read more about exports of Dutch seed potatoes.
Last month, a total of 146.192 tonnes of seed potatoes were exported. While this is admittedly 15.000 tonnes less than in the same month of 2025, when calculated over several years, the result can be considered a boost. Exports lagged considerably up to and including January, but in February and March, exports are once again catching up with normal trends.
Belgium, in particular, purchased a large amount of seed potatoes over the past month. A total of 46.000 tonnes went to our southern neighbours. This brings total sales to Belgium to just over 67.000 tonnes. That is somewhat less than last year, but slightly more than the five-year average.
Germany purchased 21.000 tonnes of Dutch seed potatoes in March. That is significantly less than last year, when 38.500 tonnes went to the eastern neighbours. This is also reflected in the total figure. Up to and including March, the Germans have now imported 34.753 tonnes, which is 38% less than last year. It should be noted, however, that the planting season started earlier last year. Nevertheless, that effect should not be overestimated, as the shortfall amounts to almost 40% even compared to the five-year average.
Sales to France show the same pattern as last year. Including the 18.000 tonnes in March, 31.178 tonnes have now been delivered there, which is exactly the same amount as in the same period last year. This volume is approximately 15% above the five-year average, so exports to France are performing well.
Exports to Spain and Italy last month were comparable to or slightly higher than last year. However, due to a smaller decline in the very earliest regions, sales to these Southern European countries still lag about 10% behind the average level of the past five years.
A total of 128.500 tonnes of seed potatoes were sold within the EU last month. This is 20.000 tonnes less than in March of last year. This difference was largely caused by lower sales to Germany (-17.000 tonnes). Belgium (-4.000 tonnes) and Romania (-2.400 tonnes) also imported less Dutch seed potatoes.
The interim figure for total seed potato exports has increased since March to just under 600.000 tonnes. As a result, exports remain 12% behind last year and 7% behind the average level of the past five years.