Potato market in Slovakia

Earlier Report Observations

The Slovak potato market volume grew to 242.4 thousand tons in 2019, supported by an increase in domestic production and higher imports. This expansion took place within a context of persistent industry calls for policy support, such as expanding the list of recognized crops to include potatoes, which was seen as a measure to help reverse the decline in cultivation areas. However, the market remained highly import-dependent due to self-sufficiency consistently below 50%.

Market volume then entered a period of contraction, falling to 176.2 thousand tons by 2022. This decline was driven by a significant drop in domestic production, which was adversely affected by unfavorable grower economics and, critically, by the severe drought in 2022 that damaged yields. Although per capita consumption rose to 54.3 kg that same year, the overall market size diminished as production fell sharply.

A recovery began in 2023, with the market volume rebounding to 205.7 thousand tons, fueled by a substantial rise in imports. This turnaround coincided with strengthening consumer demand for washed, packaged, and locally sourced potatoes, including organic varieties, which stimulated trade. By 2024, industry analysis pointed to further positive developments, including expanded harvest areas and increased domestic output, though national self-sufficiency remained at 44%.

Production potato in Slovakia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

Slovakia's potato production volume declined after two years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 182.4 thousand tons, but by 2020 it had fallen to 166.2 thousand tons, representing an 8.9% decrease. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 11%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.5%. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 13.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Slovakia's potato production value declined after two years of gains. In 2019, output reached its highest point at 88 168 thousand US dollars, but in 2020 it dropped to 76 642 thousand US dollars, a 13.1% decrease. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 35.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.7%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, when value rose by 29.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Slovakia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports potato from Slovakia

Exports in kind, t

Slovakia's potato exports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 14 215 tons, up by 5.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 20.7%, which translates to an average annual rate of 6.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovakia's potato exports in volume terms were highly concentrated, with Hungary and Czechia together accounting for 97.6% of total flows. Other trading partners represented only a small residual share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Slovakia's potato exports in value terms have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports stood at 6 555 thousand US dollars, showing no significant change from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value increased by 47.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hungary and Czechia accounted for the majority of Slovakia's potato exports in value terms, while other markets played a less significant role.

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

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

Imports potato to Slovakia

Imports in kind, t

Slovakia's potato imports have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 73 938 tons, a slight increase of 0.6% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 12.6%, with an average annual rate of 4.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for Slovakia's potato imports in volume terms were Czechia (29.8% of imports), France (19.4%), and Germany (17.8%). Together, these three countries accounted for 67.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Slovakia's potato import value declined after two years of growth. In 2019, imports reached their peak at 40 166 thousand US dollars, but in 2020 they fell to 37 850 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 5.8%. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 33.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, when value rose by 40.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary sources for Slovakia's potato imports in value terms were France (26.4% of imports), Czechia (24.3%), and Europe, not elsewhere specified (11.2%). Combined, these three accounted for 61.9% of total import flows.

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

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