The export of consumption potatoes continues to be ahead of other years. A total of 71.307 tons of potatoes crossed the border and the total export is the highest in the past 5 years.
A total of 71.307 tons of potatoes crossed the border in October, a volume slightly above average at this time of year. This brings the total export of the new harvest to 251.614 tons of potatoes, the highest figure since 2017. Compared to last season, exports are even 23% higher. Then only 204.558 tons left our country until October.
Belgium imports the most
The lead is mainly due to exports to European countries. In October, 45.526 tons went to European countries, bringing the total to 180.095 tons of potatoes. Belgium has a large share in this. This decreased by 30.358 tons in October, bringing the total to 123.452 tons this season. That is almost double last year, when Belgium purchased 71.021 tons. France also purchases more and follows with 17.791 tons. Spain and Italy also import slightly more than average. Exports to Germany are more than half lower this season: 16.826 tons compared to 39.420 tons of potatoes last season.
Exports outside Europe are in line with last season in terms of volumes. What is striking is that Senegal is on the market earlier this season and has imported double the amount of last season. The African country purchased 7.549 tons last month, bringing the total to 15.010 tons. Mali and Gambia have so far purchased several tons less. Hardly anything has been exported to Asia so far and exports to the American continent are also in line with previous years. Approximately 22.000 tons of new harvest were shipped there, compared to 21.000 tons last season.