The NAO (Dutch Potato Organization) has announced the latest export figures for the 2023-2024 season. It appears that 15% fewer seed potatoes have crossed the national borders. The export of table potatoes is lagging behind by 100,000 tons (11.5%).
Dutch seed potato trading houses have had to take a significant hit, especially in Asian destinations. The total tonnage of 80,807 tons exported is a third less than in 2022. The export to Africa has decreased by 30%. European countries have received 'only' 5.4% less seed potatoes, amounting to 25,000 tons less seed material.
Decrease not due to shortage
The major decrease in exports to Asia is not even so much related to a shortage of potatoes. The volume to Iraq halved. Syria's volume dropped from 14,400 to 3,600 tons. This is more related to instability in these countries. Other countries also generally received slightly fewer potatoes, but there are no shocking differences on the list.
Among African countries, the impact of the Algerian market is particularly significant. 24,676 fewer tons were sent there. Egypt received 20,600 tons less potatoes, and Morocco received 8,000 tons less. Only Libya received more seed potatoes from our country.
Germany the loser
Among European countries, Germany is particularly affected. 22,000 tons less seed potatoes were sent there. Among the other major countries, France received 2,500 tons fewer seed potatoes, and Belgium received 4,500 tons less. This is noteworthy considering the starting situation last season. By adjusting volumes, offering alternative varieties, and utilizing all sizes, the trading houses have managed to close the gap significantly.
The total volume has exceeded the harvest year 2018 by 10,000 tons, but it is the lowest since that time. This year, the seed potato area has shrunk by 200 hectares, according to NAK declaration figures. The likelihood of the harvest and export volume being so low again is not expected, despite the growing season so far being far from ideal.
Less consumption, but not alarming
The export figures for table potatoes (table, industry, starch) are still ongoing as the season runs until the end of August. Although the total volume may be 11.5% lower by July 1, it is still higher than what was exported in the 2021 and 2020 harvests. Harvest year '23 was an exception in that regard. Looking at imports, they are ahead of last year. Until July 1, the Netherlands imported nearly 120,000 tons, about 20,000 tons more than the previous year.
In terms of consumption, European countries have been allocated significantly less this season. Here, the volume is almost a third behind last year. Surrounding countries all received fewer potatoes. France saw the largest decrease in volume. African and American countries also bought or received fewer potatoes. Ivory Coast and Senegal significantly reduced their purchases. The volume to these countries decreased by over 22,000 tons.
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