The Netherlands sells more potatoes in Africa

The Dutch export of consumption potatoes to Africa increased in July and August to nearly 8,800 tons. The export is thus 2,850 tons (48%) larger than in the same period last year, according to figures from the Dutch Potato Organization (NAO). The larger export to Africa is partly the result of lower potato prices this season. In July/August 2023, the export dropped to a low of 2,127 tons. The following year, the export in those months increased to 5,916 tons. Within Africa, there are significant shifts in sales. Senegal is lagging this time, but Ivory Coast and Mali are buying significantly more Dutch potatoes. The sales to Ivory Coast amount to 3,928 tons, which is almost 1,600 tons more than last year. Mali imports 2,186 tons, which is 1,450 tons more than a year ago. The export to Senegal remains stuck at 450 tons, while the country imported 1,556 tons last year. The export to America remains relatively stable compared to previous years. This year, just under 8,500 tons has been shipped to this continent, slightly above last year's amount. The largest buyer is Trinidad and Tobago with 2,768 tons. Within Europe, the sales are smaller than last year. This is mainly because more potatoes are being grown locally. For example, the sales to Belgium are over 15,000 tons smaller than last year, totaling 51,500 tons. France has also shown less interest this year. The sales to this country have more than halved to just over 5,000 tons. Sweden and the United Kingdom are also importing fewer potatoes. Larger harvests at home have not led to less purchasing willingness everywhere. For instance, Germany bought almost 6,000 tons more potatoes from the Netherlands in July and August. Thus, the total sales to our eastern neighbors rise to 9,457 tons. The potato import is significantly smaller than in previous years. In July and August, a total of 230,233 tons of consumption and industrial potatoes were imported. That is nearly a quarter less than a year ago.