Potato market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian fresh potato market saw initial growth, with production increasing from 327.6 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 343.5 thousand tonnes in 2019 and market volume reaching 367.1 thousand tonnes. This period was shaped by stricter quality and labeling rules for table potatoes, which elevated market standards. A sharp reversal occurred in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic reduced household consumption of fresh potatoes by 6%, and unfavorable weather conditions damaged harvest quality and yield. Consequently, production fell to 270.1 thousand tonnes and market volume dropped to 320.8 thousand tonnes.

Market contraction deepened through 2022, with production declining to 199.2 thousand tonnes and consumption to 266.6 thousand tonnes. This was driven by soaring production costs amplified by the war in Ukraine, coupled with the enforcement of stringent new trading and labeling regulations that required only firm, clean, and properly identified potatoes to be sold. A price cap also limited retail price increases. A modest recovery followed in 2023 as planted area expanded slightly, helping production rise to 210.0 thousand tonnes and market volume to 271.1 thousand tonnes. However, this was tempered by a sustained shift in consumer preferences towards healthier, fresh salads and away from energy-dense potato products, which continued to pressure overall demand.

Production potato in Hungary

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of potato, 2018-2021

World map of production of potato, 2018-2021

Hungary's potato production declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 239.8 thousand tons of potatoes, which represents a significant 11.2% drop compared to 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 26.8%, averaging an annual decrease of 9.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 343.5 thousand tons, which saw a 4.9% increase from the previous year. The sharpest decline occurred in 2020, with production dropping by 21.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Potato production in Hungary decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the value of potato output reached 79 842 thousand US dollars, marking a 5.6% reduction compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production value declined by 5%, translating to an average annual decrease of 1.7%. The peak value was observed in 2019 at 96 428 thousand US dollars, which represented a 14.8% increase from the previous year. The most substantial decline occurred in 2020, with a 12.3% drop in value.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports potato from Hungary

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Hungary's potato exports declined. In 2021, the country exported 6 359 tons of potatoes, reflecting a sharp 35.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports fell by 25.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.2%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 9 900 tons, which saw a 9.5% increase from the year before.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Romania, Czechia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina were the primary destinations for Hungary's potato exports by volume. Romania accounted for 33.4% of exports, Czechia for 31.6%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for 9.5%. Together, these three countries represented 74.6% of Hungary's total potato exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of increases, Hungary's potato export value declined. In 2021, exports were valued at 2 117 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial 31.7% decrease from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, export value dropped by 3%, averaging an annual decline of 1.0%. The peak value was recorded in 2020 at 3 101 thousand US dollars, which represented a 22.2% increase from the year before.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Romania, Czechia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina dominated Hungary's potato export value structure. Romania accounted for 30.2% of export value, Czechia for 29.1%, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for 8.7%. Collectively, these three markets represented 67.9% of Hungary's total potato export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports potato to Hungary

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 32 628 tons, then peaked in 2021 at 62 687 tons, creating a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Hungary's potato imports stood at 62 687 tons, reflecting a moderate 3.4% increase over the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 16.3% drop, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2020, with an 85.8% surge.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, France, the Netherlands, and Slovakia formed the main cluster of markets for Hungary's potato imports by volume. France accounted for 46.7% of imports, the Netherlands for 20.6%, and Slovakia for 16.3%. Together, these three countries represented 83.6% of Hungary's total potato imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Hungary's potato import value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports were valued at 24 720 thousand US dollars, marking a 7.2% advance compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, import value grew by 58.5%, averaging an annual increase of 16.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout the 2018-2021 period, France, Slovakia, and the Netherlands remained the main markets for Hungary's potato imports by value. France accounted for 36.6% of import value, Slovakia for 22.6%, and the Netherlands for 22.5%. Jointly, these three countries represented 81.7% of Hungary's total potato import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021