Heatwave and Drought Pressure Polish Potato Harvest, Export Share to Ukraine Falls

Polish potato growers are facing the impact of heat and drought during the crucial tuber development phase, raising concerns about lower yields and quality. At the same time, Poland's share of potato exports to Ukraine has dropped in early 2026.

Polish potato trade in July 2026 is marked by uncertainty regarding supply due to extreme weather. A heatwave with temperatures exceeding 35°C has coincided with a key period for tuber growth, while drought conditions have intensified water stress on crops. Growers and experts report that continued high temperatures and lack of rainfall may reduce yields, increase the proportion of small tubers, and result in more deformed or cracked potatoes entering both the fresh and processing markets.

On the export front, Poland's position as a potato supplier to Ukraine has weakened in 2026. From January to May, Poland accounted for 16.6% of Ukraine's total potato imports, falling behind Egypt (25.8%) and Azerbaijan (19%). In the previous year, Poland was the leading supplier to Ukraine, with a 37.1% share. The shift is attributed partly to Egypt's earlier harvest and ability to supply the market before Polish new season potatoes become available.

Supply-side pressures are also visible across Europe, with Western European countries reducing potato planting area due to prolonged periods of exceptionally low farm-gate and contract prices. In Poland, the market is watching how the weather will affect overall yields, as short-term water stress during tuber setting can cause significant crop losses and quality problems. No new Polish wholesale or farm-gate price data for potatoes is available for early July 2026 in the sources.

Polish potato growers remain key players in regional trade, but the combination of reduced export shares, weather-driven yield risks, and competitive pressures from other producing countries is shaping the current commercial outlook.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker