The Netherlands Expands Its Global Potato Exports in 2024
The Netherlands has long been the world’s leading exporter of potatoes by value, and 2024 is no exception. According to UN Comtrade, Dutch potato exports reached $1.40 billion, marking a $185 million increase compared to 2023. A significant portion of this revenue comes from the high-value segment of seed potatoes, which accounted for $758.5 million in sales last year.
Key Markets for Dutch Potato Exports
Dutch potatoes are in high demand across Europe, Africa, and beyond. The country supplies a variety of potato types, including table potatoes, industrial potatoes for processing, and seed potatoes for planting.
1. European Union – The Primary Market
The Netherlands maintains strong trade relationships within the EU, exporting to key partners such as:
- Belgium
- Germany
- France
- Spain
- Italy
These countries rely on Dutch potatoes for both direct consumption and processing into chips and fries, a major industry in the region.
2. Africa – A Growing Destination for Seed Potatoes
Dutch seed potatoes are critical for potato production in North and West Africa, particularly in:
- Algeria
- Senegal
- Morocco
- Egypt
- Ivory Coast
- Mauritania
- Mali
Notably, Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco primarily import seed potatoes, supporting their local agricultural industries and increasing domestic potato production.
3. Expanding Global Reach
Beyond Europe and Africa, the Netherlands also exports potatoes to various markets, including:
- Saudi Arabia
- Turkey
- Lebanon
- Jordan
- Brazil
- Greece
- Croatia
- United Kingdom
In Belarus, Dutch exports totaled $238,000 in 2024, exclusively consisting of seed potatoes.
What Drives the Success of Dutch Potato Exports?
Several factors contribute to the Netherlands’ continued leadership in the global potato trade:
- Advanced Agricultural Practices – Dutch farmers use cutting-edge technology, breeding techniques, and precision farming to maximize yield and quality.
- High-Quality Seed Potatoes – The country is a global leader in seed potato production, supplying disease-resistant and high-yield varieties worldwide.
- Strategic Location and Logistics – Well-developed infrastructure enables efficient distribution to global markets.
- Strong Processing Industry – The Netherlands plays a key role in supplying potatoes for French fries and other processed products across Europe.
The Netherlands remains the undisputed leader in global potato exports, with increasing demand for its high-quality seed potatoes driving growth. As European and African markets continue to rely on Dutch exports, the industry is expected to remain strong in the coming years. However, competition from other seed potato-producing countries and potential changes in global trade dynamics could influence future trends. Farmers and industry stakeholders should monitor market developments closely to adapt to changing conditions.
