French potato exports in the 2020-2021 campaign are being affected by COVID pandemic and its restrictions. According to the latest bulletin of the French Potato Interprofessional, CNIPT, in February 2021 the country exported almost 191,000 tons of potatoes, i.e. 11% fewer potatoes than in the same month of last year. The export value stood at 39 million euro, i.e. 30% lower than in the same month of last year, and the average sale price (to all destinations and all product lines) stood at 204 euro per ton (-22%).
The volume exported in February decreased in almost all destinations. Exports to Spain fell by 6.7%, to Italy by 22%, to Germany by 27%, to the United Kingdom by 93%, to Eastern Europe by 51%, and export to the Arabian Peninsula decreased by 71%. The exceptions were Belgium and Portugal. In February Belgium increased its purchases from France by 21%, mainly with volumes contracted to supply its factories. Meanwhile, Portugal purchased 9% more volume, mainly driven by red-skinned potatoes.
France has exported 1 million tons of potatoes for 223.5 million euro since the start of the 2020-2021 season, (between August 2020 and the end of February 2021). This is means the country's potato exports have decreased by 3.28% in volume and 23% in value over the same period of the previous season.
In the same period of time, France has imported 135,000 tons of potatoes for 20.8 million euro imports, i.e. 31% less volume and 43.8 less value.
Source: agronewscastillayleon.com