1. Weekly News

Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s Potato Faced Price Challenges in W6

Potato cultivation in Bangladesh reached a record 524 thousand hectares (ha) in 2024/25, a 15% year-on-year (YoY) increase, driven by previous high prices that peaked at USD 0.73 per kilogram (kg). However, an oversupply during the harvest season led to sales below production costs. According to the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), retail prices in Dhaka remain between USD 0.18 and 0.27/kg, unchanged from W5. Meanwhile, in key producing regions like Rangpur, Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Bogura, and Joypurhat, prices have fallen as low as USD 0.10/kg, below the estimated production cost of USD 0.14/kg.

Iran

Iran’s Potato Prices Surge Amid Export Pressures in W6

A record surge in potato prices is worsening financial strain in Iran, where one in three households struggle to afford necessities. In W6, prices have risen sharply from USD 0.25/kg to USD 0.82/kg in the open market over the past two months. Unrestricted exports to Iraq, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Gulf states are cited as key drivers, leading Iran, a major producer, to consider imports. Authorities plan to import 50 thousand metric tons (mt) of potatoes from Pakistan and Türkiye to stabilize the market, but the government’s intervention has sparked criticism.

United States

US Fresh Potato Exports to Malaysia Increased Amid Strong Promotions

Fresh potato exports to Malaysia grew significantly from Jul-23 to Jun-24, driven by targeted food service and retail sector promotions. Potatoes USA (representatives of US potato growers and importers) conducted chef workshops, leading to increased menu adoption, while modern trade outlets hosted sampling events and expanded displays. As a result, the United States' (US) fresh potato exports to Malaysia increased by 15.2% YoY in value and 17.3% YoY in volume, reaching 7,867 mt, valued at USD 5.1 million. This is higher than the 6,705 mt exported in 2022/23 valued at USD 4.4 million. Retail promotions boosted quarterly sales by 10%, with six top retailers increasing fresh potato volumes by over 5%, exceeding initial targets.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Potato Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Potato Pricing Important Exporters (W6 2024 to W6 2025)

France

France’s potato prices decreased 2.63% week-on-week (WoW) and 13.95% YoY to USD 0.37/kg in W6. This is due to France's potato production, which reached approximately 7.7 million metric tons (mmt) in 2024, marking a 12.2% YoY increase. This growth was primarily due to a significant 11% YoY expansion in the area dedicated to ware potatoes, totaling 178,900 ha in 2024. The surge in production was mainly due to heightened industrial demand and increased exports to neighboring countries facing their production challenges.

Germany

Germany's potato prices decreased by 1.59% WoW and 18.42% YoY to USD 0.62/kg in W6. 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 surged by 89.47% WoW, 71.43% month-on-month (MoM), and 176.92% YoY to USD 0.36/kg in W6. This significant increase is primarily due to a projected 20% YoY reduction in per-acre potato yield in Punjab in 2025, the country's key potato-producing region, due to adverse smog and fog conditions. This decrease in yield has led to a reduced supply in the market, driving prices upward. Moreover, the overall inflationary trend in essential commodities has contributed to the price hike.

Egypt

Egypt’s potato prices remained unchanged WoW at USD 0.15/kg but declined 6.25% MoM and 55.88% YoY, continuing the downward trend observed in recent weeks. The price decline is primarily due to increased supply from the ongoing Nile season harvest, with key producing governorates including Minya, Dakahlia, Beheira, and Menoufia. While seasonal fluctuations impacted prices, demand adjustments could stabilize the market in the coming weeks as supply levels shift.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Diversify Market to Absorb Oversupply in Bangladesh

To address the price collapse caused by oversupply in Bangladesh, stakeholders should facilitate export opportunities to regional markets with supply gaps, such as Sri Lanka and the Middle East. Establishing streamlined export procedures and connecting Bangladeshi growers with international buyers through trade missions or digital marketplaces can help stabilize domestic prices. Moreover, promoting potato-based processed products (e.g., frozen fries and dehydrated potato flakes) can create alternative revenue streams for farmers.

Expand Contract Farming and Cooperative Models in Bangladesh

To mitigate price crashes caused by oversupply, contract farming agreements with food processors, retailers, and exporters can provide farmers with stable demand and guaranteed pricing. Encouraging cooperative farming models can also help smallholder farmers pool resources, improve bargaining power, and negotiate better prices. Moreover, financial incentives for cooperatives investing in processing facilities (e.g., potato chips, and starch production) can create new revenue streams and reduce reliance on fresh potato sales.

Enhance Cold Storage Infrastructure in Pakistan

Pakistan should invest in cold storage facilities to counter supply shortages and seasonal price volatility. Expanding the cold storage network in key producing regions like Punjab can help maintain supply throughout the year, preventing sharp price fluctuations. This includes leveraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) to develop modern storage infrastructure and provide farmers access to affordable, long-term storage options, reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring a stable market supply.

Sources: Tridge, Amwaj, Brecorder, East Fruit, Fresh Plaza