Lower potato production supports prices on the global market

The global potato market in the 2026/27 season is facing lower production in several European and North American countries, limiting supply and supporting prices. Europe’s total harvest is estimated to be 15–25% below last year’s level. However, weak demand, substantial inventories in some countries and cautious buying are preventing prices from rising across all markets, resulting in mixed price trends.

The sharpest production decline has been recorded in Belgium, where planted area decreased by 17% and yields fell by 25–30% on many farms. France also harvested fewer potatoes, with growers reporting smaller tubers and concerns about storage quality. In Spain, drought and summer heat reduced yields, while prices in the Castilla y León region increased from €0.21 to €0.37/kg. In Germany, producer prices for potatoes from storage more than doubled year on year, while consumer prices in September were 11.3% higher than a year earlier.

In the United States, production losses are particularly pronounced in Idaho, where planted area decreased by approximately 15 thsd acres and yields are estimated to be 20–25% lower than previously. Nationwide, potato acreage has fallen to its lowest level since 1952, contributing to a significant increase in prices for large potatoes. Meanwhile, the Dutch market remains sluggish due to sufficient inventories among processors and high farmgate prices that limit export demand.

Conditions also vary considerably across other global markets. By the end of August 2026, Egypt had exported 929 thsd tons of fresh potatoes, while declining inventories supported higher export prices. India’s production reached nearly 59.9 mln tons, with the main growth opportunities linked to potato processing. In Bangladesh, substantial carryover stocks continue to weigh on prices, while in South Africa, increased supply pushed potato prices down from €0.70 to €0.43/kg before a partial recovery.

Further developments in the global potato market will depend on inventory levels, storage quality and demand from processors and export buyers. January and February 2027 will be particularly important for Europe, as available stocks and the potential supply deficit in the second half of the season become clearer. If supply continues to tighten, upward price pressure could intensify, although weak demand is likely to remain a limiting factor.

Tags: potato, global market