Onions and shallots market in Algeria

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, Algeria's fresh onion and shallot market volume grew consistently from 1 398 thousand tonnes to 1 817 thousand tonnes. A key driver in 2023 was the adoption of improved irrigation techniques such as sprinkler and drip systems, along with increased use of fertilizers and phytosanitary products, which raised yields from 30 to 60 tonnes per hectare. This productivity gain supported larger harvests and market supply. Additionally, Algeria has one of the highest per capita onion consumption rates in the region, estimated at 40 kg per person annually, sustaining strong domestic demand.

In 2019, the government's strategy to diversify agricultural exports led to a 45% surge in onion shipments to countries like Tunisia and Libya, though export volumes remained a small fraction of total production. The domestic market continued to expand despite challenges in 2020, when oversupply of summer onions caused price drops and reduced planting areas for dry onions, highlighting market volatility but not derailing overall growth.

By 2024, the sector saw the entry of new players into onion production and marketing, offering a wider variety of types including white, red, and yellow onions. Simultaneously, public and private cold-storage complexes were inaugurated to improve post-harvest handling and reduce losses. These developments, coupled with ongoing efforts to regulate wholesale markets and stabilize prices, indicate a maturing market structure aimed at supporting both producers and consumers.

Production onions and shallots in Algeria

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Algeria ranked 18th globally in the production of onions and shallots.

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

World map of production of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

Algeria's production of onions and shallots grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 666 thousand tonnes, up 3.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 17.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 5.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 400 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 1.5%. In contrast, the biggest increase occurred in 2019, when production rose by 15.3%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Algeria

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Algeria exported 2 616 tonnes of onions and shallots, showing a gradual decline of 4.1% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 39.1%, averaging an 11.6% annual increase. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 1 873 tonnes, while the peak was in 2019 with 2 727 tonnes. The most significant growth happened in 2019, with a 45.6% surge.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates were the main destinations for Algeria's onion and shallot exports in volume terms, together accounting for 81.0% of total shipments. The rest was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Algeria's onion and shallot exports in value terms rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1 895 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp increase of 108.5% over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 215.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 46.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tunisia and Qatar dominated Algeria's export partner structure in value terms, while other countries made up the remaining share.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Algeria

Imports in kind, t

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil was the primary and nearly exclusive source for Algeria's onion and shallot imports in volume terms, representing 100.0% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil effectively held a monopoly on Algeria's onion and shallot imports in value terms, accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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