The export of Dutch seed potatoes has managed to continue the upward trend of March in the period up to and including 30 April. The increase in the export of seed potatoes is still in stark contrast to the decrease in the export of Dutch consumption potatoes. This is evident from figures published by the Dutch Potato Organisation (NAO).
In total, 817.895 tonnes of seed potatoes were exported. Compared to the same period last year, this is an increase of 126.637 tonnes (18,3%). In the month of April, the total volume of exported seed potatoes exceeded the 724.716 tonnes total volume that was exported after the entire harvest of 2023.
Demand from Africa and Asia in particular increased significantly. In Africa, exports to Algeria grew by more than 22.000 tonnes to 86.500 tonnes, making the country by far the largest buyer on the continent. In Asia, exports of Dutch seed potatoes increased significantly, especially in Saudi Arabia. Compared to the same period last year, this increased by more than 39%, making this country the largest buyer in Asia. Exports also increased significantly within the European Union. Belgium in particular stood out with a significant increase: the country purchased 131.000 tonnes, an increase of 36.000 tonnes compared to 2024. This makes Belgium the largest EU buyer of Dutch seed potatoes. Germany also showed a considerable increase and rose from more than 90.000 tonnes to 103.000 tonnes, making it one of the top three most important export destinations again. The top 3 is completed by Algeria.
Export of consumer potatoes continues to decline
Up to and including 30 April, a total of over 590.000 tonnes of consumer potatoes have been exported. This means that exports are significantly lower than in the same period last year, when the total was already almost 679.000 tonnes. Sales from the 2024 harvest will therefore also be below the level of the previous three seasons. By far the largest volume was sold within the European Union: over 445.000 tonnes, compared to almost 545.000 tonnes last year. Belgium still remains the largest buyer, with over 307.000 tonnes. Despite this, Belgium imported almost 20% less compared to last year. Germany, which even showed a decrease of over 30%, also fell considerably and ended up at 39.000 tonnes. France, on the other hand, showed a considerable increase of 15% and ended up at almost 48.000 tonnes of imported Dutch consumer potatoes. To Africa, the growth of exported potatoes continued. Senegal, the largest buyer on this continent, rose by more than 23% to 30.950 tonnes of imported Dutch consumption potatoes.