Dutch Potato Exports to Ghana: Lessons learned

The Netherlands’ Position in Global Export

The Netherlands holds a leading position in global fruit and vegetable exports, often ranking among the top exporters globally. Dutch potato and onion exports are unique due to a combination of advanced agricultural practices, high-quality seed potato production, a type of clay sold that holds all the nutrients of the products together, strategic logistics, and a strong processing industry, which collectively give it an advantage over production in other African countries and around the world.

So why is the Dutch potato unique in the world?

The Netherlands consistently ranks as the world’s leading exporter of potatoes by value, with exports reaching $1.40 billion in 2024, a significant portion of which comes from high-value seed potatoes. A number of factors account for Dutch increase potato export and its unique quality in international business.

• unparalleled success in breeding
• export dominance
• and a highly integrated system of cooperation between government, industry, and researchers.

This November 2025, I travelled for a business trip to Tema, Ghana, to oversee the customs clearance of our containers of potatoes originating from the Netherlands at the Tema port. The entire experience proved to be unique and insightful, particularly observing the high volume of vessel traffic, with ships frequently arriving and departing from the port.

Tema: Ghana’s Industrial and Port Hub

The Tema Port is Ghana’s largest and most vital seaport, serving as a critical gateway for international trade in West Africa and a significant economic hub for Ghana and landlocked countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. Tema Port, located in Ghana, is a key maritime hub in West Africa, facilitating a significant portion of Ghana’s international trade and serving as a crucial transit point for several landlocked neighbouring countries. Its strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea in the Greater Accra Region makes it a gateway for commerce in the region.

The port’s infrastructure and operational capabilities enable it to handle various cargo types, including containers, bulk goods, and breakbulk. Tema Port has undergone substantial expansions and modernisation efforts since its establishment in the early 1960s to enhance its capacity and efficiency. These improvements are vital for accommodating the increasing trade volumes and larger vessels that now frequent West African routes.

Lessons Learned from Ghana’s Experience

Upon the arrival of vessels from shipping lines such as MSC, Maersk, and CMA CGM, carrying a diverse range of cargo including both perishable and non-perishable food and non-food products, an immediate and systematic sorting and distribution process is initiated.

Perishable goods, such as our potato product, are directed to specialised reefer (refrigerated) areas to maintain optimal storage conditions and prevent spoilage. This critical step ensures the integrity of temperature-sensitive commodities from the moment of discharge.

Then, following initial placement, a portion of the potato consignment is subjected to rigorous testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Ghana. This testing is a mandatory regulatory step to ascertain product safety and compliance with established quality standards. Based on the FDA’s analysis, a clearance decision is issued, determining whether the product is accepted for market entry or rejected.

Should the product receive acceptance, particularly given its perishable nature, the consignee (buyer) is obligated to initiate customs clearance procedures with utmost urgency. This necessitates the consignee ensuring all requisite documentation, including import permits, Bill of Laden (BL), health certificates, and commercial invoices etc, are meticulously prepared and readily available for submission to customs authorities.

Consignees are typically allotted a specific grace period, often measured in days, during which their goods can remain in the reefer area without incurring additional charges. Exceeding this designated free time will result in some charges, which are fees levied for the extended use of the port’s facilities and equipment.

Similarly, once the container has been cleared and the goods removed, the consignee is granted a set number of days to return the empty container to the designated depot. Failure to return the container within this stipulated period can lead to detention charges, which are penalties for the delayed return of shipping equipment.

Efficient management of these timelines is crucial to minimise logistical costs and ensure a smooth supply chain operation.

Goods are stored in cool storage areas ready for distribution.

Importing Perishable Goods into Ghana and the Rest of Africa: Challenges and Recommendations

• Delays in offloading and customs clearance are significant contributors to spoilage in perishable goods. So, put all your documents together for clearance well ahead of time to prevent “had I known”.
• Be mindful of the tropical climate of the final destination of the product. For when containers sit idle for extended periods under the tropical climate, which could be up till 35 degree in Ghana, the internal temperature in the container can rise significantly, accelerating respiration and enzymatic degradation within the potatoes and other perishable products.
• Beyond temperature control, physical damage during handling can also lead to damage of the goods. Rough handling, dropping, or improper stacking can bruise or break the skin of potatoes, creating entry points for pathogens and accelerating decay.
• While sealed European imports generally reduce the risk of pest infestation, it’s crucial to acknowledge that pest infestation can still occur if containers are compromised during transit or if storage facilities at the destination are not adequately maintained. This could involve breaches in the container’s integrity, allowing pests to enter, or unsanitary conditions in warehouses where goods are temporarily stored.
• Finally, bureaucratic hurdles are a significant concern that can lead to substantial delays in customs clearance. To mitigate these delays, it is highly recommended to initiate the customs clearance process well in advance of the goods’ arrival. This proactive approach allows for the submission of all necessary documentation, addressing any queries from customs officials, and resolving potential issues before they cause bottlenecks.

Bridging Continents: EuroAfri’s (EAL) Key Role in Fostering Europe-Africa Business Relations

The EAL’s role in bridging the gap in international business between Europe and Africa is primarily focused on fostering stronger connections, bringing the goods from seller to buyer, facilitating investment in the righet product, and promoting innovation, value addition and trade between the two beuatiful continents. This is achieved through various initiatives that aim to create a more integrated economic environment and address existing disparities in capital, technology, and market access.

Are you in need of sourcing agriproduct from the Netherlands to Africa like Dutch onions and potatoes or exotic products from Africa to Europe, then look no further! Contact us and let’s see how we can bring your own product right to your doorstep!

Join us and be part of the solution!

-Patience Chindong