Australian potato grower-exporters have demonstrated strong resilience in their businesses and supply chains to continue to export during 2020 and their hard work is reflected in the latest trade data from January to December 2020. AUSVEG National Manager – Export Development Michael Coote reports.
Fresh potato exports from January to December 2020
Coming up to the anniversary of the start of the global pandemic, total fresh potato exports have seen a slight increase in value and moderate decline in volume compared to 2019. Based on data from the Global Trade Atlas, there was a 5.1 per cent increase in fresh potato export value, from $31.3 million to $32.9 million. Total fresh potato export volume declined by 13.5 per cent, from 45,315 tonnes to 39,217 tonnes over the same period.
Apart from South Korea, the other top markets for fresh potato exports – The Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Indonesia – have all seen a substantial increase in trade value during 2020.
Demand in ASEAN markets remained strong for Australian fresh potatoes. Since the commencement of Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA), Indonesia has seen an encouraging increase in exports, albeit off a relatively small base. Indonesian exports grew by 599 per cent in 2020, from $0.4 million to $2.9 million; export volume improved by 554 per cent from 712 tonnes to 4,656 tonnes.
The United Arab Emirates saw a dip of 26.1 per cent in value and a significant decline in volume of 83.2 per cent. The demand in other Middle Eastern markets remained strong, with Qatar recording an increase in export value by 28.9 per cent pushing the trade value from $1.4 million to $1.8 million; export volume increased by 33.9% from 1,150 tonnes to 1,540 tonnes.
For more information:
AUSVEG
Tel.: +61 03 9882 0277
Email export@ausveg.com.au