Imports of potatoes still exceed exports, which have nevertheless increased by more than 30%

In Russia potato exports increased by 36% in volume and 38.7% in value. But imports always exceed exports.

 

 

According to the Department of Plant Production of the Ministry of Agriculture, Russia in the first 9 months of this year exported 254,800 tons of potatoes (including seeds), almost 36% more than at the same period last year. In value, exports increased by 38.7% to reach $30.3 million.

 

 

During the first 9 months, Russia imported 293,400 tons of potatoes. This is slightly less than the 298,300 tonnes imported last year during the same period. These potatoes were supplied mainly in the off-season. This underlines the need to develop potato storage capacities in the country.

 

 

 

The existing capacities allow storage of 4.5 million tonnes per year. But, according to forecasts, production should reach 7.55 million tonnes in 2020 and 7.57 million tonnes by 2025. The difference in storage capacity/production will therefore increase, unless major investments are made in this domain.

 

 

 

Another problem is that the processing sector only processes around 1.5 million tonnes. Far from European standards. Here too, significant investments would make it possible to expand export markets with potato-based products with high added value.