Poland's potato exports reached a record 107,540 tonnes between January and August 2025, sold to 31 countries. Ukraine remained the main buyer at 57,110 tonnes, followed by Romania (11,900 t), Moldova (9,920 t), Belarus (6,520 t), Germany (5,630 t), Italy (5,010 t), Slovakia (2,780 t), Latvia (2,400 t), Spain (1,250 t), and the UK (820 t).
Export revenue totaled 151.99 million PLN (≈30.4 million EUR), up from 110.04 million PLN (≈22.0 million EUR) a year earlier. Ukraine accounted for nearly half of the revenue (73.94 million PLN, ≈14.8 million EUR). Strong sales were also registered in Romania (16.04 million PLN, ≈3.2 million EUR), Moldova (12.58 million PLN, ≈2.5 million EUR).
Despite record exports, Poland imported 171,690 tonnes of potatoes (≈55.2 million EUR) from 24 countries, mainly Germany. The market covers fresh, chilled, seed, and starch potatoes (CN 0701).
However, the Polish potato market faces significant oversupply. Total production in 2025 reached 6.8 million tonnes, while domestic consumption did not exceed 6 million tonnes. This surplus, driven by both expanded cultivation areas and favorable yields, has put downward pressure on prices, particularly for potatoes destined for direct consumption. Contracted processing potatoes for chips, fries, or starch remains less affected.
Wholesale market prices began to stabilize in November after several months of sharp declines. Medium- to high-quality potatoes sold in 15 kg sacks (yellow and red varieties) currently trade at 0.40–0.53 PLN/kg (≈0.08–0.11 EUR/kg), with increasing offers around 0.60 PLN/kg (≈0.12 EUR/kg) for fresh market-grade produce. Prices for lower-quality potatoes or those sold under forced liquidation conditions are decreasing in influence, easing overall market pressure.
The Ministry of Agriculture clarified that EU regulations do not permit intervention buying for potatoes, so market stabilization depends on natural adjustments. Analysts expect a gradual price recovery during the remainder of the season, as historically, even in unfavorable years, late-season price increases have occurred.
Source: www.sadyogrody.pl / fruitveb.hu / www.topagrar.pl
