Poland breaks potato export record

Ukraine remained the main buyer with 57,110 tonnes, followed by Romania (11,900 t), Moldova (9,920 t), Belarus (6,520 t), Germany (5,630 t), Italy (5,010 t), Slovakia (2,780 t), Latvia (2,400 t), Spain (1,250 t) and the United Kingdom (820 t).

Export revenues amounted to PLN 151.99 million (approximately EUR 30.4 million), compared to PLN 110.04 million (approximately EUR 22.0 million) a year earlier. Ukraine accounted for almost half of the revenues (PLN 73.94 million, approximately EUR 14.8 million). Strong sales were also recorded in Romania (PLN 16.04 million, approximately EUR 3.2 million) and Moldova (PLN 12.58 million, approximately EUR 2.5 million).

Despite record exports, Poland imported 171,690 tonnes of potatoes (approximately €55.2 million) from 24 countries, primarily Germany. The market covers fresh, chilled, seed, and starch potatoes (CN 0701).

However, the Polish potato market is facing a significant oversupply. Total production in 2025 reached 6.8 million tons, while domestic consumption did not exceed 6 million tons. This surplus, due to both the expansion of cultivated areas and favorable yields, has put downward pressure on prices, particularly for potatoes intended for direct consumption. Potatoes destined for contract processing into French fries, potato chips, or starch remain less affected.

Wholesale market prices began to stabilize in November after several months of sharp declines. Medium to high-quality potatoes sold in 15 kg bags (yellow and red varieties) are currently trading at between PLN 0.40 and PLN 0.53/kg (approximately EUR 0.08–0.11/kg), with rising bids around PLN 0.60/kg (approximately EUR 0.12/kg) for fresh, market-quality potatoes. Prices for lower-quality potatoes or those sold under forced liquidation conditions are falling, easing the overall pressure on the market.

The Ministry of Agriculture clarified that EU regulations do not permit intervention purchases of potatoes, so market stabilization depends on natural adjustments. Analysts expect a gradual recovery in prices for the remainder of the season, as historically, even in unfavorable years, price increases have occurred at the end of the season.