The export of seed potatoes in the current marketing season shows higher figures than in the previous season. More was exported to Africa and Asia in particular. Sales within Europe are lagging behind, according to the latest figures from the Dutch Potato Organisation (NAO).
In total, 31 tonnes of seed potatoes were exported on 2024 December 318.540. This is 35.956 tonnes more than a year earlier. After the moderate harvest yields in 2023, it was also expected that the export figures would increase. The total export volume is still lower than the long-term average.
Sales to Africa and Asia on the rise
Africa shows the largest increase in export volume: 25.654 tonnes more than in 2023. On this continent, exports to Algeria increased the most. This country imported 2023 tonnes more seed potatoes compared to 13.777. In addition to Algeria, mainly Egypt and Morocco imported more starting material from the Netherlands than in 2023. The interest in Dutch seed potatoes from other countries within Africa remained comparable to 2023.
Asia also bought more starting material from the Netherlands. The total comes to 78.221 tons. This is a good 13.000 tons more than in 2023. Saudi Arabia in particular imported considerably more, which also shows by far the largest increase. Other countries that imported more Dutch seed potatoes were Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Pakistan and Lebanon.
Belgium is buying less
Within Europe, exports stagnated somewhat. Compared to 2023, 3.251 tonnes less seed potatoes crossed the Dutch border. Total exports within the EU remain at 86.867 tonnes. What is striking here is that exports to Belgium in particular are lagging considerably. This country imported more than 11.000 tonnes less seed potatoes than in the previous year. Spain was the biggest climber within Europe with an export volume of almost 3.500 tonnes. Italy and Portugal also took a step up in terms of export volume.