News on Potato Trade

India is emerging as a frozen fries exporter. US imports rose over 350% year-on-year, China paid premium prices, while South Korea saw falling annual volumes. Expanding capacity is increasing pressure on traditional European suppliers.

Belarus harvested 3 million tons of potatoes in 2025, down from 3.1 million a year earlier. While authorities say supplies are sufficient, experts warn imports may be needed by summer, potentially pushing prices higher.

Spain’s sweet potato supply is low due to weather, keeping demand and prices high. Marta Guerra’s nursery continues growing plants, noting rising consumer interest, strong Spanish quality vs imports, and ongoing water challenges.

Pakistan can double potato export earnings by focusing on industrial varieties and processing. Rising production, global demand, and quality seeds boost growth, while value addition opens high-value markets and stabilizes farmer incomes.

IFA President Francie Gorman told the 71st IFA AGM that opposition to the Mercosur trade deal, securing a strong CAP budget and tackling rising costs will dominate IFA’s 2026 agenda, warning of food safety risks and pressure on farm incomes EU.

The National Potato Council voted to urge USTR to launch a Section 332 investigation into Canadian potato trade practices, citing decades-old restrictions in British Columbia and concerns over subsidies harming U.S. growers.

A massive protest by potato farmers on Monday brought traffic to a standstill on the Sadiya main road, as cultivators demanded fair prices for their produce and the creation of a proper market system.

Enfrentando un escenario de posible sobre oferta local, la importación de papa desde Estados Unidos se convierte en una amenaza mayúscula para el sector productivo local.

Por cuarta semana consecutiva el valor de la papa en los principales mercados brasileños mostró un incremento significativo, revirtiendo la depresión que predominó durante la mayor parte del año.

M S International joins the Global Potato Summit 2025 as a Bronze Sponsor, highlighting export strength, infrastructure, and its farm-to-world model. MSI leaders will join panels and partnerships to strengthen India’s global potato role.

Los precios de la papa tipo ágata subieron en los principales mayoristas debido a lluvias y baja oferta, pero esta mejora puntual ocurre en un año especialmente difícil para los productores brasileños, marcado por costos elevados, inestabilidad climática, sobreoferta e importaciones que han deprimido la rentabilidad del sector.

Pakistan and KOICA discussed a feasibility study for a Seed Potato Production Centre at PARC, Islamabad. The project aims to cut seed imports, boost yields with Korean tech like aeroponics, and supply virus-free certified seed to over 100,000 farmers.

Senegal’s MASAE received containers with seed potatoes at Dakar Port for the 2025–2026 campaign, marking progress toward food sovereignty with 20,000+ tons of seeds and 7.3 billion FCFA (EUR 11.13 million) in state support.

Kazakhstan may reintroduce potato export limits as shipments near the 500–600K-tonne threshold set to protect domestic supply. Authorities say high regional demand drove price spikes earlier, but current stocks and prices have now stabilised.

Egyptian sweet potatoes are gaining ground in Europe as demand rises. Short transit times, lower costs, and better storage boost supply. Dutch production struggles with low yields, while growing consumer interest and ready-to-eat trends drive market growth.

Nepal’s First Choice Foods has begun exporting its “Himalayan Crisp” and “Hamro Fries” French fries to the United States marking a stunning milestone for the country’s food industry.

APEDA & Media Today held the Potato Stakeholders Meet to boost India’s potato exports. Led by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, leaders discussed export growth, quality, value addition & policy support. Global Potato Summit 2025 to showcase Indian Potato Power.

Royal HZPC Group posts a strong 2024/25: revenue €525 M (USD 603 M), tonnage 1 M+, net profit €17.1 M (USD 19.8 M). Growers get €10.90 (USD 12.5) dividend. New varieties excel in French‑fry, chips, export and fresh markets, with acreage expected to grow further.