France exported 11% fewer potatoes in February
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.