In a remarkable feat, Kazakhstan has recorded its highest potato export volume in the past ten years, as reported by the APK Novosti agency. The main destinations for these exports were Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, reflecting a significant surge in international potato trade.
The data reveals a substantial growth in export revenue, with Kazakhstani potato sales abroad amounting to $31.7 million in the first five months of this year. This figure represents nearly a fourfold increase compared to the corresponding period in 2023, marking a decade-high in export earnings, according to DATA HUB statistics.
Moreover, in terms of quantity, the export volume also marks a ten-year peak, albeit with more modest growth. Kazakhstan shipped 294 thousand tons of potatoes in the initial five months of the current year, a substantial rise from the 108 thousand tons exported in 2023. The surge in export value is attributed to the sale of seed potatoes, driving the average price per ton to $644, which is seven times higher than the previous year.
The primary recipients of Kazakhstan’s potato exports were Turkmenistan, which acquired all the seed potatoes, and Uzbekistan. Despite the successful export performance, detailed information regarding the domestic potato market remains unavailable. An approximate estimation suggests that the population’s monthly potato consumption stood at 3.8 kilograms per capita in the first quarter, excluding public catering services, highlighting the significance of potatoes in the local diet.
