Exports of table potatoes in November were the lowest since 2009. Sales are disappointing both within and outside Europe, especially considering the current low prices.
Total exports this November remained stuck at 57.177 tons, according to figures from the Dutch Potato Organisation (NAO). This volume is over 20.000 tons lower than in the same month last year.
Belgium, Germany, and France have purchased fewer potatoes from the Netherlands. They themselves have a large harvest this year, so that's not surprising. Exports to Belgium are almost 11.000 tons lower, at just over 21.000 tons. In most years, over 30.000 tons of potatoes are shipped from the Netherlands to the Netherlands in November. Occasionally, this isn't the case, as in 2020, the year of the coronavirus pandemic, but also in 2014 and 2009, among others.
Germany imported a considerable amount of potatoes from the Netherlands in the first few months, but that was no longer noticeable in November. In October, 7.600 tons were imported, which suddenly dropped to 1.650 tons last month. That's the smallest amount since September 2024. Considering just November, Germany hasn't purchased such a small quantity in twenty years.
Exports to France had a good year last November, with nearly 6.400 tons. This year, sales have fallen back to less than half that amount, totaling 3.157 tons. In October, sales to this country were even lower.
Senegal buys less
Exports to Africa are showing an upward trend with Christmas approaching. However, this upward trend is lower than last year. All told, African countries have imported 37.000 tons of potatoes from the Netherlands so far this season. Ivory Coast leads the way with 11.000 tons, followed by Mali with 9.400 tons. Both countries have purchased significantly more potatoes than last year.
The biggest disappointment is Senegal. Despite low prices, sales to this country have stalled at 4.360 tons. Last year, nearly 19.000 tons were purchased during the same period. Senegal has been supplied with locally grown potatoes for a long time this year. Only now – just before Christmas – is the local supply proving too small to bridge the gap until the new harvest. This creates a short window for imported potatoes. Next week, a few thousand tons will be shipped to Senegal to fill the shortage there.
Exports to the Americas are keeping pace with last year. The quantities per country are also relatively consistent. A total of 27.000 tons were shipped to the Americas. Trinidad and Tobago is the largest buyer, with approximately 6.700 tons shipped in recent months.