In W29 in the potato landscape, potato prices dropped significantly in Ukraine. On July 17, the average selling price of young potatoes was USD 0.54 (UAH 20.2/kg), representing almost a 50% decrease compared to the average in Jun-23, which was USD 1.04/kg (UAH 38.79/kg). The decline in potato prices is mainly due to seasonal factors, with the supply of potatoes increasing on the market. European processing potato prices have reached record highs due to increased competition from processors for limited non-contract stock. Prices for Dutch processing potatoes reached USD 367/metric ton (mt) (EUR 330/mt), the highest level since 2014. As a result, Ireland plans to distribute potatoes to 10 thousand Ukraine's vulnerable farms in rural areas, with USD 500.5 thousand (EUR 450 thousand) allocated from the budget for this project through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The supply of early potatoes in Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, France, and Spain was sufficient to meet potato demand in the European Union (EU) market. The sale went smoothly and prices remained relatively high. In Schleswig-Holstein, the local early potato supply is small as they are not yet peel-resistant. This limited supply and demand situation keeps prices relatively high. European importers are showing more interest in Egyptian produce, especially potatoes, because of the limited potato production in the EU and the competitive pricing of Egyptian products. The devaluation of the Egyptian pound has made their produce more attractive in foreign markets, leading to higher export volumes to the EU. This has led to increased exports of fruit and vegetables, including potatoes, to the EU. In the first four months of 2023, Egypt exported 211 thousand mt of potatoes, marking the highest volume since 2021.
In 2023, Idaho's potato crop is anticipated to be larger than the previous year, with 328.8 thousand acres planted, marking a 12% increase compared to last year's 295 thousand acres. Although agronomic conditions and reduced acreage lowered production , Idaho's potato farmers still managed to produce 12 billion lbs of potatoes in 2022, slightly below the usual 13 billion lbs. According to the Tajikistan Ministry of Agriculture, the long-term plan for 2023 is to harvest about 1.1 million metric tons (mmt) of potatoes. The country grows potatoes in nearly all cities and regions, with an increase in the potato-growing area by 2.4 hectares (ha) compared to last year, totaling 58.5 thousand ha. As of July 1, the republic has harvested 261.5 thousand mt of potatoes. In Gaibandha, potato prices have remained stable despite fluctuations in other commodity markets. However, the potato prices increased by USD 0.14/kg (BDT 15/kg) within a month. Potato prices stood at USD 0.37/kg (BDT 40/kg) to USD 0.41/kg (BDT 45/kg). The reason for this sudden price surge is not apparent. Despite sufficient potatoes stored in cold storage facilities, prices have risen abnormally this year. Some attribute it to rising commodity prices or increased demand.