The export of seed potatoes in April 2021 decreased compared to April 2020 from 753,731 tons to 709,010 tons. The export of ware potatoes over the last 12 months was 170,205 (x 1,000 tons) smaller than in the same period 2019/2020.
Export seed potatoes
The export of seed potatoes in April 2021 decreased compared to April 2020 from 753,731 tons to 709,010 tons. For example, exports to the EU member states fell from 405,349 tons to 391,872 tons. However, exports to Belgium increased from 88,080 tons to 92,642 tons. This is evident from the monthly export statement of the NAO.
The export figures of seed potatoes to Germany and France were also higher. Germany’s rose from 91,416 tons in April 2020 to 96,342 tons in April 2021 and that of France from 30,169 tons to 35,598 tons. The export of seed potatoes to Italy fell from 60,666 tons to 55,835 tons. Exports to the other European (non-EU member states) countries in April 2021, at 48,396 tons, were almost 12,000 lower than in April 2020.
Exports to America decreased by almost 5,000 tons compared to April 2020, to 17,933 tons. The export of Dutch seed potatoes to Africa also fell significantly. While 157,031 tons were shipped in April 2020, this was 126,054 tons last month. This is 31,000 tons less. Exports to Asia increased from 108,438 tons to 124,728 tons.
Export of ware potatoes
Last month, a total of 58,904 tons of ware potatoes were sold across the Dutch border. Belgium is and remains the largest buyer of Dutch ware potatoes with 27,115 tonnes. Total exports to the other EU member states amounted to 43,895 tons in April 2021. 8,685 tons were shipped to Africa in April, almost half of which to Ivory Coast and 2,709 tons to Mauritania. The American countries accounted for 5,071 tons. Exports to Asia practically came to a standstill last month. (All quantities x 1,000 tons).
Potato processing
The processing of potatoes by the Dutch industry is slowly moving towards the quantities in ‘normal’ years. In April 2021, 292.9 tons were processed. This is 100 tons more than in April 2020 when ‘only’ 192.5 tons were processed. Compared to March 2021, when 322.1 tons were processed, there is a decrease of 30 tons. In the years 2015-2019, between 329,000 and 367,200 tons were processed in the month of April. The processed quantity in April 2021 is still approximately 35,000 tons lower than in the ‘better’ years. (All quantities x 1,000 tons).
Source: NAO
