The Competition Policy and Consumer Rights Research Center is analyzing the processes involved in growing potatoes for the domestic market and supplying them to final consumers.

According to preliminary findings, during January–September of the current year, 457,000 tonnes of potatoes, valued at USD 37.5 million, were imported from 11 countries, at an average price of USD 82 per tonne. Compared with the same period last year, import volumes decreased by approximately 57,000 tonnes, or 24 percent.

An assessment of import market concentration found that the five largest importing companies accounted for 78 percent of total imports, while the total number of importing companies stood at 91.

As part of the analysis, a comprehensive assessment of the competitive environment in the potato market, market concentration, and the distribution of market shares among importers is ongoing.