Belgium's record potato harvest faces headwinds: US tariffs and Asian competition eat into profits

Belgium, known as the world's frozen French fries capital, faces a paradox: potato production has hit a record high, but the country's fries industry cannot capitalize on it. High US tariffs are depressing demand, while Asian suppliers are strengthening their position on the global market.

Belgium, regarded as the world's French fries capital, faces a paradoxical situation: potato production is at record levels, yet the industry cannot reap the benefits. According to the New York Times, the culprit is high US tariffs, which have significantly reduced Belgium's exports of frozen French fries to America.

Belgium has long been the world's leading exporter of French fries, shipping its products to dozens of countries worldwide. The country's potato industry is tightly linked to international commodity markets, which means foreign policy decisions and trade barriers hit this sector directly.

US tariffs have created a situation where Belgian producers have excess goods, but traditional markets are closed off. At the same time, Asian suppliers are capitalizing on the situation, offering the US and other markets alternative products at more competitive prices.

This competitive pressure is forcing Belgian French fries producers to seek new markets and consider reducing production volumes. The glut in Belgium has led to falling prices, which in turn damages farmers' incomes despite the large harvest. Experts warn that if trade restrictions persist, the industry may be forced to make structural changes.