1. Weekly News

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan's 2024 Potato Export Quantity and Revenue Decline

In 2024, Azerbaijan exported 48,345 tons of potatoes worth USD 20.5 million, marking a significant decrease from 2023. The export quantity dropped by 32% to 22,848 tons, and the value fell by 34% to USD 10.4 million. The average price per kilogram (kg) of exported potatoes was USD 0.42/kg (AZN 0.72/kg), which is 2.4% lower than in 2023. With 920,200 tons of potatoes harvested (7.6% less year-on-year), the potato export share in Azerbaijan's total export remained low at 0.08%, contributing 0.61% to non-oil exports. This is despite a slight overall increase in agricultural production.

Egypt

Egypt Achieves Record Potato Exports to the UK in 2024

Egypt significantly increased its potato exports to the United Kingdom (UK) in 2024, reaching a record 23.7 thousand tons, more than double the 2023 exports. This surge brought in USD 13.5 million in revenue, with the peak of shipments occurring in June. Egypt’s share of the UK's total potato imports has grown substantially, reaching 15.7% by the end of 2024, up from 10.8% in 2023. Egypt is now in a strong position to enter the top three potato exporters to the UK, with only France potentially challenging its position. Egypt’s potato exports are now a key part of its agricultural export sector, ranking among the top five global exporters.

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Imposes Potato Export Ban Amid Price Surge

In Astana, Kazakhstan, the price of potatoes has reached USD 0.97/kg (KZT 455/kg). In comparison, potatoes in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, are priced at USD 0.64/kg (KGS 58/kg). Kazakhstan's government imposed a six-month export ban on potatoes (excluding Eurasian Economic Union or EAEU countries) to stabilize domestic prices. The price hike was primarily due to increased demand from Russia, which has been impacted by sanctions. As a result, Russia will likely continue purchasing more products, including potatoes, from Kazakhstan.

Peru

Peru Plans USD 80 Million Native Potato Export Push in 2025

Peru is set to increase potato exports significantly in 2025. Peru is focused on promoting native varieties, particularly in the form of chips. The country plans to export over USD 80 million worth of native potato products, benefiting small farmers from the Andean regions. Peru is home to more than 3,500 potato varieties, with over 700,000 families involved in potato farming. The government aims to boost the industry through increased exports and market expansion.

Russia

Russia's 2024 Potato Harvest Declines Due to Weather

Russia's potato harvest in 2024 declined compared to the record 2023 yield due to spring frosts, droughts, and heavy rains. The harvest is estimated at 7.2 million tons, in line with average long-term figures. To meet domestic demand during the off-season, the government introduced a tariff exemption for up to 150,000 tons of imported potatoes, along with 55,000 tons of carrots and 230,000 tons of apples. Effective until July 31, 2025, these duty-free imports aim to stabilize the domestic food market and ensure affordable prices. The Ministry of Agriculture also plans to increase potato cultivation by 2.3% (7,000 hectares) in 2025.

Ukraine

Potato Prices in Ukraine Rise Due to Supply Shortages and Weather Issues

Potato prices in Ukraine have begun to rise again, with prices increasing by 12% this week to USD 0.54 to 0.81/kg (UAH 20 to 30/kg). This rise is attributed to a reduced supply from local farms, as many farmers completed their potato sales earlier in the season. The quality of the remaining potatoes has also been affected by adverse weather conditions, particularly heavy rains during harvest, which damaged the appearance and storability of the crop. Currently, potato prices in Ukraine are 16% higher than at the end of Jan-24 last year, and market players predict that prices will continue to rise rapidly due to concerns over potential shortages of quality potatoes.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Potato Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Potato Pricing Important Exporters (W4 2024 to W4 2025)

France

In France, potato prices dropped by 2.70% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 0.36/kg in W4. Prices remained unchanged month-on-month (MoM), as they returned to the same levels seen earlier in the month, following the previous week’s price increase. Despite these fluctuations, YoY prices dropped by 12.20%, despite challenges faced by potato growers, including limited seed supply and adverse weather conditions like heavy rainfall, which caused delays in planting and harvesting. Supply this year is slightly higher compared to last season, which has helped mitigate the impact of these difficulties on prices and keep prices lower YoY.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, potato prices surged by 19.23% WoW and MoM to USD 0.33/kg in W4, driven by high exports and strong demand for Dutch potatoes. Currently, supply is limited, as many producers are holding potatoes in storage, anticipating higher prices in the coming weeks. Despite the price increase, YoY prices are down by 6.06%, reflecting a substantial rise in supply due to the 2024 harvest, which reached 7.6 million metric tons (mmt), a 16% increase compared to the average of the previous five years. However, demand continues to exceed the available supply on the market, as producers are holding back a portion of their stock.

Pakistan

In Pakistan, potato prices have experienced a significant decline with drops of 4.76% WoW, 31.03% MoM, and 50% YoY, bringing the price down to USD 0.20/kg in W4. This sharp decline is primarily driven by an abundant supply, following a record increase in potato production in 2024. With over 8 mmt produced, fueled by an expanded cultivation area and improved farming practices. However, prices may rise in the upcoming weeks as supply diminishes. Production in key regions like Punjab, one of the main producing provinces, is expected to decrease by 20% in 2025.

Egypt

In Egypt, potato prices have risen by 12.50% WoW and 20% MoM, reaching USD 0.18/kg in W4, following a dip in the previous weeks. The price fluctuations over the past few months can be attributed to varying supply levels due to seasonality, as potatoes in Egypt are grown in three different seasons. The current supply comes from the Nile season harvest, particularly from governorates like Minya, Dakahlia, Beheira, and Menoufia. The price increase is a result of this fluctuating supply, as demand adjusts to the seasonal availability of potatoes. However, YoY prices have dropped by 18.18%, reflecting a higher supply this year in Egypt, as well as increased production in other competing nations, putting downward pressure on prices.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Diversify Export Markets

To mitigate reliance on traditional markets, countries like Egypt, the Netherlands, and Peru should explore emerging markets in regions like Southeast Asia and Africa, where demand for potatoes and potato-based products is rising. With growing populations and increasing urbanization, these regions offer untapped potential for expansion. By diversifying export destinations, producers can reduce the risk of market saturation and seasonal demand fluctuations, ensuring more stable revenue streams.

Adjust Production Strategies

In countries such as Pakistan and Ukraine, where supply and demand fluctuations are currently influencing prices, producers should consider adjusting crop management and planting schedules to better align with market demand. For example, focusing on high-quality varieties or varying planting timelines could help balance supply during peak harvest seasons and prevent oversupply or shortages that impact price stability. Additionally, these adjustments will provide more flexibility to respond to changing market conditions.

Promote Sustainable and Innovative Farming Practices

As climate-related challenges like droughts, frosts, and heavy rains impact yields, countries should invest in research and development for sustainable farming practices. Introducing drought-resistant potato varieties and investing in more efficient irrigation systems could reduce dependency on ideal weather conditions. By adopting innovative techniques and improving farming sustainability, producers in these regions can minimize crop losses, reduce costs, and maintain stable production levels.

Sources: Tridge, Agravery, Agro Portal, East Fruit, Kvedomosti, La Republica, Nieuwe Oogst, PQS, Spec Agro,