Bangladesh’s potato exports have moved through a pronounced boom-and-bust cycle over the past five fiscal years, reflecting volatile global prices, uneven competitiveness and persistent quality constraints despite rising domestic production and recurring surpluses.
Exports peaked at 53,240 metric tons in FY2021–22, before falling 44.25 per cent to 29,560 metric tons in FY2022–23. The downturn deepened as shipments declined 62.36 per cent to 11,127 metric tons in FY2023–24, forcing many exporters to scale back operations or temporarily suspend activity, according to Chattogram Seaport’s Plant Quarantine Station under the Department of Agricultural Extension.
The sector then staged a sharp rebound. Exports surged 264.39 per cent to 40,542 metric tons in FY2024–25, driven by higher domestic output, temporary supply shortages in competing countries and improved access to selected markets.
The recovery, however, proved unstable as exports fell 51.15 per cent to 19,806 metric tons as of June 16 in FY2025–26, signalling renewed volatility.
Bangladesh currently exports four main potato varieties, including Ganala, Diamond, Manila and red potatoes, with grading, size and uniformity requirements shaping acceptance in destination markets.
On the supply side, production rose to 11.7 million metric tons in the current season, up by 1.1 million metric tons from the previous year, according to the Department of Agricultural Marketing.
Domestic demand is estimated at 8.99 million metric tons, leaving a structural surplus that increasingly pushes the crop toward export channels.
Exporters say Bangladesh is losing price competitiveness to Pakistan, particularly in Malaysia, one of the key destinations for Bangladeshi potatoes.
Alubari Agro Produce Ltd Managing Director Rashed Shamim said Pakistan has strengthened grading, sorting and post-harvest handling systems, enabling sharper pricing in international markets.
He said Bangladeshi potatoes are currently priced at about $180 per ton, while Pakistani supplies average around $160 per ton. In some cases, Pakistan has offered $120–$130 per ton in Malaysia, widening the competitive gap and displacing Bangladeshi shipments.
Exporters say Bangladesh remains constrained by manual sorting systems that produce inconsistent sizing and mixed-grade shipments, reducing acceptance in stricter retail markets.
Rising input costs, including fertiliser and seed prices, have further compressed margins, while adulterated agricultural inputs continue to affect output quality and export readiness.
On the policy side, cash incentives for potato exports have been reduced from 20 per cent to 10 per cent, while disbursement delays have extended from about three months to more than one year in some cases, according to industry stakeholders.
Exporters also cite limited digitalisation in customs clearance, banking documentation and export procedures, which increases costs and slows processing.
Despite these constraints, exporters are attempting to diversify markets and reduce dependence on traditional destinations.
Bangladesh currently ships potatoes to Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Brunei, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and the Maldives.
A first shipment of 57 metric tons to Benin marks entry into West Africa, which exporters view as a potential gateway for broader agricultural exports.
Plant Quarantine Station Deputy Director Shah Alam said African markets offer new expansion opportunities, but stronger institutional and diplomatic support is required to verify buyers, reduce commercial risk and scale exports sustainably.
