Ukraine’s potato imports surge despite strong harvest

Potato imports to Ukraine jumped 5.1 times in January–October 2025, reaching 123,140 tons compared to the same period in 2024. In value terms, imports rose 4.8 times, totalling USD 66.086 million against last year’s USD 13.69 million, according to the State Customs Service, Interfax Ukraine reports.

The main suppliers were Poland (36.9% of total import value), Egypt (13.7%), and the Netherlands (11.6%).

During the same period, Ukraine’s potato exports fell 13.4% to 2,140 tons, although export revenue rose 2.4% to USD 521,000. Key buyers included Moldova (58.5% of shipments), Azerbaijan (38.6%), and Singapore (0.6%).

October brought a sharp reversal: imports dropped 11.4 times to 359 tons, while exports increased 4.6 times to 269 tons compared to October 2024.

Deputy Minister Taras Vysotskyi noted that Ukraine’s 2025 vegetable harvest is larger than last year’s, ensuring stable supply and no expected shortages. Earlier reports also confirmed that potato production is up, prices are easing, yet imported potatoes remain cheaper.

source: ukranews.com

photo: potatonewstoday.com