Analysis Potatoes
Seed potato export decreases by 42,000 tons annually
The export of seed potatoes has slightly decreased annually from 2019 to 2023, according to a data analysis by the FAO. Most major European countries saw a decline in their export volumes. Disappointing yields and demondialization are the underlying causes.
On average, global seed potato exports fell by 42,000 tons per year from 2019 to 2023, equating to a 2.5% annual decline. FAO figures show that the Netherlands exported the largest volume, with 24,000 tons annually—representing 2.7% of global exports per year. The Netherlands holds over half of the global market share and remains by far the largest player.
Germany surpasses the UK
One of the hardest-hit countries is the United Kingdom, which saw its export volume drop by an average of 6,000 tons. This decline is mainly due to the impact of Brexit, which limited Scotland’s ability to ship seed material to certain destinations. As a result, Germany has overtaken the UK for third place in global rankings. France remains in second place, holding 12% of global exports, with volumes remaining relatively stable.
In percentage terms, Belgium’s decline is even greater, at 13%, according to the FAO, dropping the country to eighth place. Egypt is a notable grower, largely due to increased exports to Russia. In the top 10, the United States is the only country showing growth, with an average annual increase of 3,300 tons, or 9%.
Two factors
FAO analysts attribute the decline to two main factors: disappointing yields in 2022 and 2023, which reduced available volumes, and demondialization, with some countries erecting tariff barriers and intensifying their own seed production.
Looking at Dutch export figures, the data does not entirely align with the FAO’s overview. The volume fluctuates significantly, ranging from 714,500 to 760,000 tons over the past six years. An exception was 2022, when over 855,000 tons were exported. The five-year average stands at 761,478 tons, and the ten-year average is 775,867 tons.
