Dried onions market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the German dried onion market volume grew from 20 906 t to 24 745 t, while its value increased from 41.5 million USD to 56.6 million USD. Initial years were marked by severe harvest shortfalls in key EU onion-growing regions in 2018, which reduced raw material availability and raised prices, yet market volume was supported by rising imports. Subsequently, the expansion of onion cultivation areas across Europe by 2021 led to record harvests, boosting dried onion production to 7 801 t and driving the market volume upward.

Following the 2021 peak, market volume declined to 22 612 t in 2022 and 21 282 t in 2024, while value stabilized around 55–56 million USD. This contraction was influenced by extreme weather and plant disease pressure in 2023, which caused high sorting losses and elevated price levels across Germany and neighboring countries. Export bans from India and Egypt, alongside rising supply from China, impacted global availability. By 2024, unfavorable growing conditions and disease outbreaks in West Africa reduced onion imports, keeping German prices high. Concurrently, the expansion of vegetable and onion cultivation area in Germany strengthened domestic production, while preparations for the EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR) and new UNECE quality standards began affecting market operations.

Production dried onions in Germany

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In Germany, the value of dried onions production reached 14 920 thousand US dollars in 2020, marking a 3.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 37.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 15 066 thousand US dollars, which represented a substantial 39.0% increase from the previous year. However, 2019 saw the largest decline of 4.6% during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Germany's dried onions production volume has declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, the country produced 4 174 tons of dried onions, showing a significant 14.0% decrease compared to 2019. Despite this recent drop, production increased by 5.9% over the 2017-2020 period, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The peak volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 461 tons, which represented a notable 38.6% increase from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports dried onions from Germany

Exports in kind, t

After two years of contraction, Germany's dried onions export volumes rebounded in 2020. Exports totaled 7 039 tons, showing a 13.8% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 10.5%, equating to an average annual rate of 3.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 187 tons, which marked a 1.7% decline from the previous year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Switzerland (13.4% of exports in kind), Austria (11.7%), and Poland (9.5%) formed the largest group of buyers for Germany's dried onions. However, their combined contribution was limited to 34.6% of total exports in kind, reflecting a diversified country structure with no single market dominating.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following two years of decline, Germany's dried onions exports rebounded in value terms in 2020. Exports reached 26 581 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 29.1% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 17.1%, with an average annual rate of 5.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 20 592 thousand US dollars, while 2018 saw the largest decline of 6.0%.

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

The structure of Germany's dried onions exports in value terms between 2017 and 2020 can be described as diversified. Switzerland (12.6% of exports in value terms), France (11.0%), and Austria (10.7%) together accounted for just 34.3% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position in the market.

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

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

Imports dried onions to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's dried onions imports have increased for two consecutive years. In 2020, imports totaled 23 327 tons, representing a modest 4.4% gain compared to the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 3.9%, equating to an average annual decline of 1.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 21 740 tons, which marked a 10.4% decrease from the previous year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India (38.4% of imports in kind), China (12.5%), and Egypt (11.5%) accounted for the largest share of Germany's dried onions imports. Together, these three countries comprised 62.5% of total import volumes during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Germany's dried onions imports have grown in value terms for two consecutive years. In 2020, imports reached 59 610 thousand US dollars, showing a 13.2% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 7.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 47 751 thousand US dollars, which represented a 13.9% decline from the previous year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India (28.3% of imports in value terms), China (16.9%), and Egypt (12.7%) were the principal sources for Germany's dried onions imports in value terms. These three countries jointly accounted for 57.9% of total import value during this period.

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

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