Belgium: Potato Market 2024

Potato Market Size in Belgium

The Belgian potato market rose remarkably to $X in 2021, surging by 8.9% against the previous year. Overall, the total consumption indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.1% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption decreased by -6.0% against 2019 indices. Potato consumption peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Potato Production in Belgium

In value terms, potato production rose remarkably to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.6% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +45.4% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when the production volume increased by 71% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

In 2021, the average yield of potatoes in Belgium reached X tons per ha, therefore, remained relatively stable against 2020 figures. Overall, the yield, however, showed a mild shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 26%. Over the period under review, the average potato yield hit record highs at X tons per ha in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the yield stood at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the harvested area of potatoes in Belgium was estimated at X ha, stabilizing at the previous year. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the harvested area increased by 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to potato production reached the maximum at X ha in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Potato Exports

Exports from Belgium

After three years of growth, shipments abroad of potatoes decreased by -8.3% to X tons in 2021. Over the period under review, exports, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 15% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2020, and then reduced in the following year.

In value terms, potato exports fell to $X in 2021. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 when exports increased by 58%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons) was the main destination for potato exports from Belgium, accounting for a 73% share of total exports. Moreover, potato exports to the Netherlands exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, France (X tons), fivefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Austria (X tons), with a 4.1% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the Netherlands amounted to +2.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: France (-2.5% per year) and Austria (+79.9% per year).

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) remains the key foreign market for potato exports from Belgium, comprising 52% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by France ($X), with a 22% share of total exports. It was followed by Germany, with a 9.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the Netherlands amounted to +6.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: France (-1.2% per year) and Germany (+8.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average potato export price amounted to $X per ton, standing approx. at the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +1.3%. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when the average export price increased by 39% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the Netherlands ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the Netherlands (+3.8%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Potato Imports

Imports into Belgium

In 2021, the amount of potatoes imported into Belgium amounted to X tons, growing by 4.9% compared with the previous year's figure. In general, imports continue to indicate prominent growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when imports increased by 21% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum in 2021 and are likely to continue growth in years to come.

In value terms, potato imports expanded significantly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports showed resilient growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 50%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

France (X tons), Germany (X tons) and the Netherlands (X tons) were the main suppliers of potato imports to Belgium, with a combined 97% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Germany (with a CAGR of +11.5%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, France ($X), the Netherlands ($X) and Germany ($X) were the largest potato suppliers to Belgium, with a combined 93% share of total imports.

In terms of the main suppliers, Germany, with a CAGR of +10.5%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average potato import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 5.6% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 48%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for Germany ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by France (+1.8%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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