Trade: lifting of the freeze on potato imports

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has lifted the freeze on potato imports, according to a circular letter dated November 5, 2026. The measure takes effect from Wednesday November 4, 2026.

Potato imports once again authorized in Senegal. In a circular letter dated November 5, 2026, addressed to the services concerned, the minister explains that the marketing campaign for local potatoes had started on January 16, 2026, with the entry into force of the freezing measure.

Also read: Carrots: Senegal lifts the freeze on imports in the face of soaring prices

According to the ministry, harvest planning, marketing and the development of conservation and storage capacities in cold rooms enabled national production to cover consumption needs for ten months.

Prices, both for producers and consumers, would have remained relatively stable throughout the period. A stock survey carried out at wholesaler level on October 29, 2026, however, led the authorities to another observation: local production is no longer able to satisfy market demand.

Avoid stock shortages

Thus, to prevent a shortage and guarantee optimal supply, it was therefore decided to reopen imports. The minister asks recipients to take the necessary measures to facilitate the implementation of the measure.

The circular specifies that import authorizations will be subject to quota and will remain valid until December 20, 2026, a “strict deadline”. Operators therefore have a little over six weeks to import.

Mariama DIEME