Lots of imported potatoes arrive in Hungary

By: Trademagazin Date: 2023. 07. 10. 14:26

Fruit and vegetable growers are going through a difficult time and this is affecting production as well. In particular, potato production is in a catastrophic situation, as the export volume in the first quarter of 2023 decreased by 68.7% compared to the previous year.

In the case of tomatoes, however, the forecasts are more positive, while onions, our other staple vegetable, have suffered in recent years. According to AKI’s latest report, the value of vegetable exports increased by 14.9%, while the value of imports increased by 20.2%, so the export deficit increased to 57.4 million euros in the first three months of 2023. Our country is usually a net importer of fresh vegetables in the first months of the year, while there is a significant export of frozen and dried vegetables. Potato exports fell significantly this year, by about 70%, amounting to 556 tons, but export revenue increased by 14.5%.

The average price of potatoes also increased by more than three and a half times. Imports continue to exceed the volume and value of exports, the volume and value of potato imports increased to 16.8 million euros. The main import partner was France, but significant quantities came from the Netherlands, Germany and Slovakia.