1. Weekly News

Europe

EU-UK SPS Negotiations Offer Hope for Reviving Ireland’s Potato Seed Trade with Scotland

The Chairperson of the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) Potato welcomed the renewed European Union (EU)-United Kingdom (UK) trade negotiations as a positive step for the potato seed sector, highlighting that talks on a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement could finally allow the resumption of seed potato trade disrupted by Brexit. Before Brexit, Ireland imported around 6 thousand metric tons (mt) of seed potatoes annually from the UK, mainly Scotland. Since then, the IFA has actively lobbied for a temporary derogation to allow Scottish seed imports, including meetings with Irish MEPs and a joint letter to the European Commission (EC).

Belarus

Belarus Boosts Potato Production and Lifts EU Import Ban

The Belarusian President has ordered an increase in the production of potatoes and other staple vegetables. This is to address rising domestic demand and assist Russia, which is facing a significant potato shortage. The directive follows regional crop losses caused by frost, reducing yields, and rising food prices. Belarus’s strength in potato farming emphasized the importance of building stabilization stocks and improving storage infrastructure to handle the expected surplus. In a parallel move, Belarus lifted its ban on importing certain vegetables from the EU, officially citing principles of openness and good neighborly relations. However, the decision also underscores the mounting pressure on Belarus’s food supply system amid broader regional shortages.

Russia

Russia Experienced Deepening Potato Crisis with 167% YoY Price Surge Amid Supply Shortages and Failed Harvests

Russia experienced a severe potato crisis, with prices soaring 167% year-on-year (YoY) by May-25, making it the fastest-rising food item since the war began. This surge follows a 92% increase in 2024, driven by poor harvests caused by unseasonal frosts and drought. The 2024 potato production dropped to 7.3 million metric tons (mmt), down 1.2 mmt from the previous year. The president acknowledged the shortages, revealing that Belarus had already sold all its supplies to Russia, exacerbating regional scarcity. The situation has sparked domestic calls for state regulation of retail potato prices as the economic crisis deepens.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Potato Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Potato Pricing Important Exporters (W21 2024 to W21 2025) 

France

In W21, potato prices in France rose by 2.22% week-on-week (WoW) and surged 31.43% month-on-month (MoM) to USD 0.46 per kilogram (kg), as cooler-than-average spring temperatures delayed the new season harvest and tightened supply. Producers forecast a slight 3% YoY decline in 2025 production, dropping from 6.8 mmt in 2024 to about 6.6 mmt, further restricting stock availability. Strong domestic demand from retail and processing sectors and higher tariffs and logistical challenges that reduced imports pushed prices upward during this period.

Germany

In W21, Germany’s wholesale potato prices remained stable WoW at USD 0.67/kg but saw a slight MoM decline of 1.47%. This weekly price stability was due to steady supply from the ongoing new season harvest, which ensured fresh potatoes were consistently available in the market. The gradual increase in harvesting activities across key growing regions such as Lower Saxony and Bavaria helped maintain supply levels, preventing sharp price spikes. However, the moderate demand from processing industries, including manufacturers of potato chips and frozen products, contributed to a slight downward pressure on prices. Seasonal fluctuations also played a role, as consumer demand typically softens after peak periods such as holidays and festivals. The balance between stable supply and tempered demand resulted in relatively steady prices, with only a marginal monthly decrease observed.

Pakistan

In W21, potato prices in Pakistan rose 6.67% WoW and MoM, reaching USD 0.16/kg. This price increase was due to disrupted supply caused by adverse weather conditions in key producing regions such as Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which delayed harvesting and reduced the volume of marketable potatoes. Moreover, transportation challenges and rising fuel costs contributed to higher distribution expenses, pushing prices upward. Moderate domestic demand amid limited local stocks further supported the price gains as traders anticipated tighter availability in the short term.

Egypt

In W21, Egypt’s potato prices held steady WoW but decreased 7.69% MoM to USD 0.12/kg and dropped sharply by 25% YoY due to an abundant supply from the 2025 harvest. Favorable weather in key growing regions like the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt boosted yields, increasing production by 8% YoY to an estimated 3.5 mmt. This surge in fresh potatoes flooding the domestic market exerted downward pressure on prices. Meanwhile, reduced export demand from traditional buyers in the Gulf and Europe led to lower external sales, keeping more stock domestically and further suppressing prices.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Facilitate the Resumption and Expansion of Seed Potato Trade between Ireland and the UK

The renewed EU-UK trade negotiations focusing on a new SPS agreement offer a vital opportunity for Ireland’s potato seed sector. To maximize this opportunity, Irish and UK agricultural authorities and industry stakeholders should accelerate joint efforts to establish clear SPS protocols that meet both parties’ regulatory standards. For example, they could create a streamlined certification and inspection process using digital tracking systems to speed up cross-border trade and reduce bureaucratic delays. Moreover, they could launch temporary pilot projects to allow limited seed shipments under strict quarantine controls, gaining practical experience and building confidence to scale up trade once the agreement is finalized. These actions would help Irish farmers access high-quality seed potatoes essential for maintaining productivity and crop health.

Invest in Potato Storage and Supply Chain Infrastructure in Belarus to Stabilize Regional Supply

Belarus has directed an increase in potato production to support domestic needs and aid Russia amid shortages, underscoring the crucial need for storage and distribution infrastructure. To manage the expected surpluses and reduce post-harvest losses, Belarusian authorities and private sector actors must prioritize upgrading cold storage facilities and modernizing supply chains. By adopting controlled atmosphere storage technologies, they can extend potato shelf life by months, allowing Belarus to smooth out seasonal supply fluctuations and maintain steady availability. Moreover, investing in logistics, such as refrigerated transport and efficient warehouse management systems, will enhance supply reliability and facilitate exports to Russia and neighboring countries facing shortages. This strategy strengthens food security and boosts Belarus’s role as a key regional supplier.

Support Weather-Resilient Farming Practices and Supply Chain Adaptations in Pakistan

The recent spike in potato prices in Pakistan, driven by adverse weather and supply chain disruptions, demands a multifaceted response to increase resilience. Agricultural extension services should actively promote weather-smart farming techniques, such as staggered planting schedules and drought-tolerant seed varieties, to help farmers mitigate the impacts of erratic weather on yields. For example, pilot programs in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can train farmers to practice soil moisture conservation and integrated pest management, improving crop robustness. On the supply chain side, authorities should improve rural road networks and optimize fuel subsidies for transporters to reduce distribution bottlenecks and costs, easing price pressures. Additionally, stakeholders should encourage the establishment of local cold storage units to preserve harvested potatoes, reduce spoilage, and stabilize supply during market fluctuations.

Sources: Tridge, Express, Fresh Plaza