Potato market Ukraine

Earlier Report Observations

The potato market volume in Ukraine started at 22.5 million tons in 2018 but dropped to 20.5 million tons in 2019 due to dumping imports from Russia and the EU, which pressured local producers and reduced profitability. In 2020, despite continued dumping and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that caused logistical difficulties, the market recovered to 21.1 million tons as pandemic-related demand for staple foods supported consumption.

In 2021, the market grew to 21.5 million tons, partly driven by the introduction of an open land market from July, which facilitated access to land for potato farming and stimulated production. However, the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022 drastically changed conditions: a ban on imports from Russia and Belarus, reduced sown areas, and logistical constraints led to a decline in market volume to 20.9 million tons.

In 2023, despite ongoing war effects, population outflow, and a shrinking domestic consumer base, the potato market volume increased to 21.3 million tons. Production edged up even as exports remained focused on limited markets like Belarus and Moldova.

Production potato Ukraine

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine maintained the third position globally in potato production volume.

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

In 2020, Ukraine produced 20 838 K t of potatoes, marking a 2.8% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 6.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.1%. The lowest production was recorded in 2019 at 20 269 K t, while the highest was in 2018 at 22 504 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 9.9%.

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

Exports potato to Ukraine

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Potato exports from Ukraine peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 7.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, export volumes totaled 2.8 K t, reflecting a 50.0% year-over-year reduction. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 22.2 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 74.4%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 25.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Moldova and Belarus were the dominant destinations for Ukraine's potato exports in kind, jointly accounting for 88.1% of total flows, with the remaining volume distributed among smaller markets.

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

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Potato export volumes from Ukraine declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 864 K $ US, reflecting a sharp reduction of 45.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 75%, with a compound annual growth rate of 37.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 823 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 58.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 10.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Moldova and Belarus concentrated the majority of Ukraine's potato exports in value terms, while other markets formed a less significant portion.

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

World map of product's exports to Ukraine in value, 2017-2020

Imports potato in Ukraine

Imports in kind, K t

Potato import volumes into Ukraine increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Ukraine imported a total of 301.6 K t of potatoes, up by 20.4% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 7 839.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 329.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belarus (67.8% of imports in kind), Russia (11.2% of imports in kind), and the Netherlands (6.5% of imports in kind) formed the main cluster of markets for Ukraine's potato imports in kind, with a combined share of 85.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Potato import volumes into Ukraine increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume was recorded at 61 922 K $ US, indicating a dramatic improvement of 30.6% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 2 943.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 212.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Belarus, the Netherlands, and Russia—together accounted for 78.3% of total potato imports in value terms to Ukraine.

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

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