Despite limited official data, import records from partner countries reveal that Belarus continues to be a significant player in regional potato exports. With Russia leading the way, and new markets emerging in the Balkans and Central Asia, Belarusian potatoes are feeding tables far beyond its borders.
In the absence of detailed foreign trade statistics from Belstat, evaluating Belarus’s potato export landscape in 2024 relies heavily on data from its trade partners and global platforms such as UN Comtrade. These sources shed light on the volume, value, and geography of fresh and chilled potato exports from Belarus.
Export Highlights for 2024 (Based on Import Data):
- Russia remains the largest market for Belarusian potatoes.
- According to Russian import statistics, potato shipments from Belarus increased by 60.8% in 2024 (year-to-date), reaching approximately 170,000 tons.
- This growth reflects strong supply chain integration, especially during seasonal demand peaks in Russia.
- Moldova has become a significant buyer, importing $14.4 million worth of fresh/chilled potatoes in 2024.
- The growth can be linked to Moldova’s reduced domestic yields and proximity to Belarusian supply chains.
- Other notable importers include:
- Azerbaijan: $2.8 million
- North Macedonia: $0.96 million
- Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Montenegro also appeared among active destinations.
- Based on historical data and early trade flows in 2024, Belarus continued to export to:
- Serbia, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina
While UN Comtrade has not yet released full data for all countries for 2024, preliminary import figures already confirm Belarus’s expanding footprint across Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and Central Asia. Many of these regions are strengthening food security strategies and prefer sourcing from geographically and politically aligned partners like Belarus.
Moreover, logistics and phytosanitary regulations between Belarus and several Eurasian and post-Soviet countries remain simplified compared to EU standards, making Belarusian potatoes more competitive in price and delivery time.
In 2024, Belarus confirmed its role as a key regional supplier of potatoes, with strong demand from neighboring countries and growing interest from Balkan and Central Asian markets. While lack of transparency in national export reporting remains a challenge, import-side analysis offers a reliable picture of Belarus’s potato trade influence. For farmers, exporters, and agri-policy makers, these trends highlight opportunities to strengthen regional partnerships, invest in quality control, and expand into new markets.
