Uruguay: Potato Market 2025

Potato Market Size in Uruguay

The Uruguayan potato market totaled $X in 2021, surging by 3.3% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption, however, recorded a mild shrinkage. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Potato Production in Uruguay

In value terms, potato production rose significantly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 41%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, production remained at a lower figure.

In 2021, the average yield of potatoes in Uruguay expanded notably to X tons per ha, growing by 7.9% on 2020 figures. In general, the yield, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when the yield increased by 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average potato yield reached the peak level at X tons per ha in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, the total area harvested in terms of potatoes production in Uruguay expanded sharply to X ha, increasing by 5.7% on the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area, however, recorded a noticeable downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the harvested area increased by 7.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to potato production attained the maximum at X ha in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Potato Exports

Exports from Uruguay

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas shipments of potatoes, when their volume decreased by -22.4% to X tons. Over the period under review, exports recorded a precipitous setback. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 240% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, potato exports declined rapidly to $X in 2021. Overall, exports recorded a dramatic curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 when exports increased by 294%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Brazil (X tons) was the main destination for potato exports from Uruguay, accounting for a 99% share of total exports. It was followed by the UK (X kg), with a 1.2% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Brazil stood at -16.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the UK (-35.2% per year) and France (-65.4% per year).

In value terms, Brazil ($X) remains the key foreign market for potato exports from Uruguay, comprising 98% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the UK ($X), with a 1.5% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Brazil totaled -12.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the UK (-32.4% per year) and France (-61.3% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average potato export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, standing approx. at the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2021, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.4%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 an increase of 23%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Brazil ($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 France (+10.4%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Potato Imports

Imports into Uruguay

In 2021, the amount of potatoes imported into Uruguay declined dramatically to X tons, reducing by -73.1% on the previous year. Overall, imports recorded a slight decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 259%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, potato imports reduced rapidly to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, showed a mild expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 186% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons), France (X tons) and Canada (X tons) were the main suppliers of potato imports to Uruguay, with a combined 77% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in the Netherlands (with a CAGR of +26.9%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest potato suppliers to Uruguay were the Netherlands ($X), France ($X) and Canada ($X), together comprising 84% of total imports.

The Netherlands, with a CAGR of +28.6%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

The average potato import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 41% against the previous year. Overall, import price indicated a measured expansion from 2012 to 2021: its price increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. As a result, import price reached the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably country of origin: the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for Brazil ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Chile (+3.7%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :