Potato market in Israel

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Israeli potato market volume remained stable between 385.6 and 395.9 thousand tons. This stability was underpinned by the import of high-quality seed potatoes from cold European countries to improve crop yields and diversify varieties. Farmers adopted advanced cultivation technologies, including cooled closed structures and innovative irrigation, which supported consistent production levels. During this period, exports held steady, with a notable focus on expanding organic potato shipments to Europe.

Market volume dropped to 339.6 thousand tons in 2021 amid a decline in domestic production. A sharp rebound followed in 2022, with the market expanding to 458.7 thousand tons. This surge was primarily driven by a substantial increase in imports, which reached 86.5 thousand tons. The Ministry of Agriculture authorized additional tariff-free import quotas for fresh vegetables, including potatoes, to prevent shortages and maintain price stability in the domestic market. Simultaneously, the Yafro company emerged as the country's largest potato exporter, marketing over 45,000 tons, reflecting a dynamic export sector.

In 2023, the market corrected to 345.5 thousand tons as imports normalized and domestic production continued a gradual downward trend.

Production potato in Israel

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

Israel's potato production increased for the second year in a row. In 2019, output grew by 2.6%, reaching its highest point in 2020 at 528,000 tonnes, a modest 0.7% rise from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 511,200 tonnes, which represented a 2.2% decline.

Annual dynamics of production in Israel in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of Israel's potato output was $206.6 million, a significant 18.5% drop from 2019. The peak value occurred in 2019 at $253.6 million, following a substantial 22.6% increase that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Israel in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports potato from Israel

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Israel exported 169,100 tonnes of potatoes, a 7.8% increase from 2019. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 156,800 tonnes, with the sharpest decline of 28.5% occurring in 2018. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 22.9%, averaging an 8.3% annual decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Israel in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Belgium were Israel's key potato export partners by volume. The United Kingdom accounted for 34.8% of exports, the Netherlands for 20.1%, and Belgium for 8.0%, together making up 62.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Israel in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Israel's potato exports were valued at $66,170,000, down 12.7% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at $63,446,000, with the largest decline of 28.0% also in 2018, while 2019 saw a 19.5% increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 24.9%, with an average annual decline of 9.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Israel in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Belgium led Israel's potato exports by value. The United Kingdom contributed 34.8%, the Netherlands 20.1%, and Belgium 8.0%, collectively representing 62.9% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Israel in value, 2017-2020

Imports potato to Israel

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Israel's potato imports rebounded in 2020, totaling 37,000 tonnes, a sharp 39.2% rise from 2019. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 26,600 tonnes, which marked a 15.0% decrease. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 13.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Israel in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany were the top sources for Israel's potato imports by volume. The Netherlands supplied 56.5%, Belgium 14.3%, and Germany 10.7%, together accounting for 81.5% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Israel in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year downturn, Israel's potato imports by value increased in 2020 to $23,706,000, up 31.3% from 2019. The lowest value was in 2019 at $18,058,000, with the largest decline of 3.5% in 2018. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value rose by 24.8%, averaging a 7.7% annual growth rate.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Israel in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom were the leading suppliers of potatoes to Israel by value. The Netherlands accounted for 57.3%, Belgium for 14.8%, and the United Kingdom for 11.2%, jointly making up 83.2% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Israel in value, 2017-2020