1. Weekly News

Bangladesh

Potato Prices in Bangladesh Dropped Below Production Costs

Despite a 12% year-on-year (YoY) increase in potato cultivation in 2025, farmers in Bangladesh are struggling with low prices, selling potatoes at nearly half the production cost while facing higher cold storage fees. The production cost per kilogram (kg) stands at USD 0.14, but farmers are selling potatoes at USD 0.058 to 0.074/kg, with wholesale prices in Dhaka ranging from USD 0.12 to 0.14/kg and retail prices from USD 0.16 to 0.21/kg. In Bogura, potato prices stood at USD 0.062 to 0.074/kg. Farmers report that cultivation costs are higher, but market prices are significantly lower, leading many to delay harvesting and storing potatoes in cold storage.

Bangladesh Shipped 336 MT of Potatoes to Nepal

Bangladesh exported 336 metric tons (mt) of potatoes to Nepal via the Banglabandha land port in Panchagarh on February 13. A total of 16 trucks, each carrying 21 mt, departed for Nepal. This brings total exports through the port to 966 mt in three phases from Jan-25 to mid-Feb-25. The first shipment of 84 mt was sent from January 19 to 20, 2025. Several exporters have facilitated these shipments.

Bangladesh’s Potato Exports Rebound after 2023/24 Slump, Nearing Previous Levels

Bangladesh's potato exports rebounded after an unusual downturn in the 2023/24 season. Lower domestic prices are driving optimism for a return to previous export levels. Over the past nine years, annual exports have averaged around 50 thousand mt, but they dropped to 12,112 mt in 2024. In the first seven months of the 2024/25 season, exports reached 11,055 mt. Key destinations include Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Nepal, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Oman, Canada, and the Maldives.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s Potato Prices Surge to USD 6.18/kg in W7

In Costa Rica, potato prices have surged to USD 6.18/kg in W7, with seed shortages further hindering recovery. Financial aid is in progress but will not reach producers until Oct-25. The Minister of Agriculture attributed the crisis to heavy rains in Nov-24, which caused losses estimated at USD 66.5 million. While the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Emergency Commission (CNE) are coordinating financial relief, delays in disbursement pose challenges for farmers.

Netherlands

Netherlands Dominates Spain’s Seed Potato Market

The Netherlands remains Spain’s top seed potato supplier, holding a 67% share, followed by France at 11%. Dutch seed imports to Spain surged 21% YoY, from 14,882 mt in 2023 to 18,088 mt in 2024. Globally, Dutch seed potato exports saw strong growth in Africa, with Algeria importing 64,867 mt, Egypt 31,133 mt, and Morocco 31,271 mt. Brazil’s imports rose to 2,609 mt, Honduras to 2,098 mt, and Nicaragua to 2,093 mt, while Cuba’s imports fell to 8,310 mt. Spain remains a key market, with over 42,000 mt of Dutch seed potatoes shaping the upcoming planting season.

Ukraine

Ukrainian Potato Prices Dropped 10% WoW in W7 Due to Weak Demand

Ukrainian potato prices have started to decline in W7 after weeks of stability. Farmers are selling high-quality potatoes at USD 0.43 to 0.67/kg, marking a 10% week-on-week (WoW) drop. The decline is driven by reduced purchasing activity and quality deterioration from prolonged storage, prompting producers to lower prices for bulk sales. Despite the recent dip, prices remain 21% higher YoY than in early Feb-24.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Potato Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Potato Pricing Important Exporters (W7 2024 to W7 2025)

France

France’s potato prices rose by 2.7% WoW and 5.56% month-on-month (MoM) to USD 0.38/kg in W7, driven by increasing production costs. Farmers have faced higher expenses across multiple inputs, including seed potatoes, crop protection chemicals, and fertilizers. Labor costs have also risen due to wage adjustments, while land rental prices continue to climb. Moreover, energy costs for storage have remained elevated, particularly as colder weather has increased the need for temperature-controlled facilities. The cumulative impact of these rising costs has placed upward pressure on potato prices despite stable domestic supply levels.

Netherlands

Due to increased supply, Netherlands potato prices declined by 16.13% WoW and MoM and 31.58% YoY. The introduction of early potato varieties has expanded market availability, accelerating price declines. Moreover, drier conditions during the 2024 harvest reduced crop losses and quality defects, allowing a higher proportion of potatoes to meet processing standards and boosting overall supply. Meanwhile, weak demand from processors and exporters further pressured prices as market participants adjusted purchasing volumes in response to the surplus.

Germany

Germany's potato prices remained unchanged WoW but decreased 1.59% MoM and 17.33% YoY to USD 0.62/kg in W7. This decline is due to increased domestic production and improved supply conditions. In regions like Saxony-Anhalt, favorable weather conditions in Jan-25 led to reasonable potato yields, contrasting with lower yields in other parts of the country. Moreover, the market experienced a stabilization of prices after initial post-harvest lows, with current prices ranging from slightly below to slightly above 2024's levels, depending on the variety and packaging.

Pakistan

Pakistan's potato prices declined 50% WoW and 10% MoM to USD 0.18/kg in W7 due to increased supply and easing inflation. The government allowed higher potato imports to stabilize previous price surges, which increased availability in domestic markets and influenced regional prices. Moreover, improved domestic production, supported by favorable weather conditions and efficient farming practices, contributed to an abundant supply. Further easing inflationary pressures, reflected in a 0.21% WoW decline in Pakistan’s Sensitive Price Indicator (SPI) for the sixth consecutive week in W7, also played a role in lowering potato prices.

Egypt

Egypt’s potato prices dropped by 6.67% WoW, 22.22% MoM, and 53.33% YoY, extending the recent downward trend. The ongoing Nile season harvest has significantly increased supply, particularly from key producing governorates such as Minya, Dakahlia, Beheira, and Menoufia. Seasonal fluctuations have contributed to the price decline, but market stabilization could occur in the coming weeks as demand adjusts to shifting supply levels.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Facilitate Export Channels for Bangladesh's Surplus Production

Bangladesh should actively seek export opportunities for its record potato harvest to prevent further farmgate price declines. Targeting markets facing shortages, such as Iran and Pakistan, could provide immediate relief. The government and exporters should streamline trade agreements, ensure compliance with import regulations, and promote competitive pricing to secure buyers. Expanding exports will help stabilize local prices, prevent post-harvest losses, and ensure profitability for farmers amid oversupply.

Leverage Dutch and French Seed Potato Supply to Improve Costa Rica’s Recovery

Costa Rica should secure early agreements with Dutch and French seed potato suppliers to ensure timely access to high-quality seeds before the Oct-25 financial aid disbursement. Government and private sector partnerships can facilitate bulk purchases to lower costs for farmers. Ensuring a steady seed supply will accelerate production recovery, stabilize domestic prices, and reduce reliance on costly imports.

Optimize Cold Storage and Processing Strategies in Bangladesh

Given low farmgate prices and high storage costs, Bangladesh should incentivize the private sector to invest in potato processing facilities for chips, starch, and frozen products. Collaboration between cooperatives and food processors can create new demand, reducing dependency on volatile fresh markets. Increasing value-added processing will absorb excess supply, provide stable income for farmers, and create long-term industry growth.

Sources: Tridge, Daily Sun, Fresh Plaza, Potato Pro, Tbs News