Potato market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch fresh potato market volume increased from 6.1 million tons in 2018 to a peak of 6.6 million tons in 2020. This rise occurred within a European context of oversupply, which pressured growers to consider reducing planting area and focusing on cost control.

After 2020, the market volume contracted to 6.3 million tons in 2021. It remained stable near this level in 2022, supported by a resilient processing industry for frozen fries that maintained steady output despite difficult weather conditions affecting yields. The volume then fell more sharply to 6.0 million tons in 2023, primarily due to tight supply following a poor harvest caused by a wet autumn, compounded by higher production costs and sustained demand from the foodservice sector.

Production potato in the Netherlands

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands consistently ranked 10th globally in potato production.

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

Potato production in the Netherlands grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 7 020 K t of potatoes, marking a 0.8% increase from 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, overall production fell by 5%, with an average annual decline of 1.7%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 6 025 K t, which saw the largest drop of 18.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest rise of 15.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of potato output in the Netherlands was 2 784 M $ US, reflecting a moderate decrease of 8.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value declined by 13.8%, averaging a 4.8% annual reduction. The lowest value occurred in 2018 at 2 666 M $ US, with the steepest fall of 17.4% that year. The most significant increase was in 2019 at 14.1%.

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

Exports potato from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, potato exports from the Netherlands totaled 2 013 K t, showing a solid decline of 10.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, exports rose by 11.3%, with an average annual growth of 3.6%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 1 786 K t, while the peak was in 2019 at 2 250 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 26.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, potato exports from the Netherlands were widely distributed across markets. Belgium accounted for 31.2% of exports in kind, Germany for 11.1%, and Italy for 4.5%, together making up 46.8% of total flows, indicating a diverse market spread.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, potato deliveries from the Netherlands reached 798.2 M $ US, representing a solid fall of 18.8% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 982.7 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 24.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Germany, and Algeria were the top buyers of Dutch potatoes in value terms, with shares of 21.8%, 11.0%, and 6.2%, respectively. Their combined contribution was 39.0% of total export value, highlighting a diversified country structure.

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

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

Imports potato to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, potato imports into the Netherlands declined. In 2020, imports registered 1 640 K t, down 12.0% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 6.4%, averaging a 2.2% annual drop. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 1 863 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 3.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Belgium, and France were the leading suppliers of potatoes to the Netherlands in kind. Germany held 58.5% of imports, Belgium 21.1%, and France 13.3%, together accounting for 92.8% of total imports, dominating the supply structure.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year rise, potato imports into the Netherlands fell. In 2020, imports amounted to 340.1 M $ US, a reduction of 21.3% year-over-year. The peak value was in 2019 at 432.3 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 15.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and France were the main sources of potato imports to the Netherlands in value terms. Germany accounted for 47.6%, Belgium for 20.6%, and France for 16.0%, together absorbing 84.1% of total import value, making them the primary directions.

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

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