The export of Dutch ware potatoes is still experiencing the consequences of the Corona pandamy. In total, the Netherlands exported 466,484 tons between March 2020 and February 2021. This is more than 100,000 tonnes less than in the 2019/2020 season. Total Dutch seed potato exports decreased from 489,971 tons in February 2020 to 467,215 tons in February 2021.
In February, 20,634 tonnes of potatoes were exported to Belgium. This means that our southern neighbors are and will remain the largest potato buyer. Germany follows in second place with 6,606 tonnes last month. Total exports to the EU member states were 36,575 tons in February. The export of the Dutch squeakers in the period March 2019 to February 2020 was still 436,916 tons. In the same period 2020/2021 it decreased to 281,744 tons. A decrease of 155,172 tons (-35 percent).
Other sales countries
The African countries took over some of these Dutch ware potatoes. In the aforementioned period it increased from 73,546 tons to 116,356 tons. The pagers also found their way into the Americas. Exports to these countries increased to 48,667 tons in the past 12 months. This is more than 11,000 tons more than in 2019/2020. Exports to Asian countries increased from 6,201 to 13,890 tons. Sri Lanka accounted for a significant part of this. This country purchased 9,406 tons against only 995 tons in 2019/2020.
Export seed potatoes
The export of Dutch seed potatoes also still shows a declining trend. For example, the export figure in February 2021 to other EU countries decreased compared to February 2020 from 178,450 tons to 176,604 tons. In the other European countries, 30,702 tons were sold last month, against 32,549 in February 2020. This brings total European exports to 207,306 tons last month, against 210,999 tons in February 2020. This can be concluded from the monthly report of the Dutch Potato Organization (NAO). Exports to Asian countries increased to 118,516 tons last month, compared to 102,258 tons in February 2020. Last month, 124,841 tons of seed potatoes were shipped less to African countries compared to February 2020, when 155,194 tons were shipped.
Decline in total exports
Total Dutch seed potato exports fell from 489,971 tons in February 2020 to 467,2115 tons in February 2021. Total Dutch seed exports have also shown a declining trend over the past five years. For example, 533,015 tons were exported in February 2017. After that, this export figure decreased to 539,512 tons (2018), 497,425 tons (2019), 489,971 tons (2020) and 467,215 tons (2021).
