Alliaceous vegetables market in Senegal

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for alliaceous vegetables in Senegal fluctuated between 605 thousand tons in 2018 and 584 thousand tons in 2022, before recovering to 599 thousand tons in 2023. Domestic production declined from 460 thousand tons to 399 thousand tons over this period, while imports rose from 148 thousand tons to 217 thousand tons, offsetting the drop in local output. Exports also grew steadily, though from a low base.

Several policy and market changes affected the sector. In 2018, the government established a dedicated horticulture directorate to coordinate development. A 2021 decree required fresh fruits and vegetables to be sold without plastic packaging, with temporary exemptions. This regulation was repealed in 2023, coinciding with reinforced national food sovereignty strategies. New enterprises entered the market in 2022, focusing on short supply chains and healthy vegetable distribution.

In 2024, imports stood at 201 thousand tons and exports reached 22 thousand tons. The broader horticulture sector reported a record harvest of 2.6 million tons of fruits and vegetables, supported by investments in irrigation, storage infrastructure, and climate‑resistant seeds. New European‑aligned labeling rules were also introduced, affecting market access.

Production alliaceous vegetables in Senegal

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of alliaceous vegetables, 2017-2020

Senegal's production of alliaceous vegetables has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 412.3 K t, marking a modest decrease of 7.3% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 3.1%, which translates to an average annual increase of 1.0%. The peak was reached in 2018 with 460.0 K t, when production surged by 15.0%—the largest annual gain during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in Senegal in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports alliaceous vegetables from Senegal

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited significant volatility over these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 2.2 K t, then peaked in 2020 with 8.7 K t—a fourfold difference between these extremes. In 2020, cross-border shipments of alliaceous vegetables from Senegal totaled 8.7 K t, reflecting a sharp rise of 37.1% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 42.6%, while the most substantial increase was in 2019, soaring by 189.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Senegal in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the core of Senegal's exports in kind was dominated by three key partners: the United Kingdom accounted for 55.8% of exports, Spain for 20.7%, and the Netherlands for 12.9%. Together, these countries represented 89.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Senegal in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Senegal's exports of alliaceous vegetables in value terms have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 10 782 K $ US, up by 16.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 71%, equating to an annualized rate of 19.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Senegal in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Kingdom was the primary buyer of alliaceous vegetables from Senegal, capturing 78.4% of total exports in value terms. The remaining share was distributed among a diverse group of other countries.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Senegal in value, 2017-2020

Imports alliaceous vegetables to Senegal

Imports in kind, K t

Senegal's imports of alliaceous vegetables in volume have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 195.3 K t, which is 18.9% higher than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 147.5 K t, when imports fell by 27.5%—the largest annual decline during this span.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Senegal in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Throughout 2017–2020, the Netherlands was the central partner for Senegal's imports in kind, holding an 81.3% share of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller, less significant portions.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Senegal in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Senegal's imports of alliaceous vegetables in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 47 185 K $ US, showing a strong uptick of 13.7% year-over-year. The minimum value was in 2018 at 40 285 K $ US, when imports declined by 15.9%—the largest drop in this period.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Senegal in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands concentrated 73.8% of Senegal's total imports in value terms. The remainder was shared among numerous countries, each with smaller individual shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Senegal in value, 2017-2020