Spain: Dutch seed potato imports grow by 21%

The Netherlands has published its  seed potato export statistics , which gives us an idea of ​​how plantings may develop in the new campaign.

In Europe, Spain has imported 21% more  Dutch seed  up to that date than in 2023, going from 14,882 tonnes to 18,088.

In Africa, the increase in imports of  seed potatoes  from Algeria, Egypt and Morocco is striking, reaching 64,867 tonnes, 31,133 tonnes and 31,271 tonnes, respectively.

On the other hand, in America, imports have increased in Brazil (2,609), Honduras (2,098) and Nicaragua (2,093) and have decreased in Cuba, which stands at 8,310 tons.

In the case of Spain

It is worth noting that the Netherlands is Spain’s main supplier of  seed potatoes  . 67% of the seed used comes from this country. In second place is France, with 11% of purchases. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the Netherlands exports more than 42,000 tonnes to Spain.

Another notable fact is that the decreases in shipments from France and Germany do not compensate for the increase in shipments from the Netherlands. The uncertainty is not cleared up, although seed companies insist that this year there will be no surprises and that it will therefore be more predictable than last year.

Imports from the United Kingdom (the main non-EU supplier) fell again (-14%).

Special case of Scotland

Scottish seed potato exports are expected to reach more than 92,000 tonnes in 2023/24, although it is currently unable to sell to EU member states as a result of Brexit deals.

This country, part of the United Kingdom, is seeking to increase its exports of potato seeds, while negotiating its return to the community market. In the future it intends to increase its exports to certain countries such as Jordan and Brazil.