Ukraine potato imports plummet as domestic production recovers, but storage deficits persist

UKRAINE – Ukraine’s potato production has recovered to 16.78 million tonnes in 2026, fully covering domestic consumption, yet a critical shortage of storage facilities and processing plants continues to cause substantial financial losses.

Ukraine imported 123,600 tonnes of potatoes in 2025, up 2.4 times from a year earlier, with the value reaching US$66.3 million.

Meanwhile, during the first four months of 2026, imports totalled only 12,710 tonnes, compared with a record 72,700 tonnes in the same period of 2025.

In addition, Ukrainian companies spent US$8.1 million on purchases abroad, reflecting a sharp decline as domestic early potatoes became cheaper than imported products for the first time in several years.

Egypt accounted for 36% of potato imports in January-April 2026, meaning more than one in three imported tonnes came from the country. According to retailers, imports of early Egyptian potatoes are justified by the production calendar, as domestic potatoes are not yet available at that stage of the season.

Therefore, this seasonal gap ensures Egypt remains a primary supplier of early-season potatoes until the local harvest begins.

Furthermore, a separate market segment exists for frozen French fries destined for restaurants and foodservice operators, representing an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 tonnes annually.

Poland held a 17% share of this segment in the first four months of 2026, maintaining a notable presence in the specialized frozen fries sector. Despite these external dependencies, the expansion of planted areas has made domestic prices more competitive than those of foreign alternatives.

The market improved in 2026, following a recovery in potato production after the drought-affected 2024 season. Ukraine’s potato production reached 16.78 million tonnes, fully meeting domestic consumption, estimated at 4 to 4.5 million tonnes per year.

Moreover, industry estimates indicate that Ukraine loses more than UAH 1 billion (approx. US$22 million) annually due to limited domestic processing capacity and insufficient storage infrastructure. According to the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club, the country’s vegetable storage deficit is estimated at 50% to 60% of its requirements.

Consequently, despite production exceeding local consumption, the lack of modern storage facilities and processing plants leads to significant post-harvest losses.

However, addressing these deficiencies through targeted investment would enable Ukraine to reduce its dependence on imports and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of its potato industry.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.