Onions and shallots market in Americas

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh onions and shallots in Americas contracted from 10 336 thousand tons in 2018 to 9 090 thousand tons in 2020. During this period, the introduction of 'Sunions' – the first tear-free onion variety in the United States – created a new product segment and stimulated consumer interest, while investments in supply chain optimization aimed at improving market efficiency. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 accelerated a shift toward online purchases of fresh vegetables, reshaping distribution channels.

From 2021 onward, the market recovered, reaching 9 956 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was supported by persistent consumer demand for organic and convenient formats, such as pre-cut onions, and increased investment in research and development for new varieties. The Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 disrupted global onion supply chains, affecting import availability and prices. Simultaneously, Verdant Robotics secured $46.5 million in Series A funding to expand advanced technologies into onion production, enhancing productivity.

Expanding production and exports from Mexican states like Baja California and Tamaulipas boosted domestic supply within the region. Additionally, the use of onion extracts as natural flavor enhancers in plant-based foods further drove innovation and demand.

Production onions and shallots in Americas

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

Onion and shallot production in the Americas has declined for the third year in a row. In 2019, the region produced 10 043 K t, but this fell to 9 943 K t in 2020, marking a 1.0% decrease. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production dropped by 8.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 2.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, B $ US

After two years of decline, the value of onion and shallot production in the Americas saw an uptick. In 2019, output was valued at 81.9 B $ US, rising to 84.4 B $ US in 2020—a modest increase of 3.1%. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production value fell by 40.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -16.0%. The lowest point was in 2019 at 81.9 B $ US, which also saw the steepest drop of 24.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Americas in value, 2017-2020, B $ US

Exports onions and shallots from Americas

Exports in kind, K t

Export volumes for onions and shallots from the Americas have shown significant fluctuations, reflecting a volatile market. In 2018, exports hit a low of 215 K t, but surged to 1 337 K t in 2020—a sharp 40.2% increase from the previous year. Over this period, volumes varied by 6.2 times, with the largest decline of 79.9% in 2018 and the biggest jump of 343.6% in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain was the top buyer of onions and shallots from the Americas, accounting for 3.4% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of onion and shallot exports from the Americas has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2019, exports totaled 545.0 M $ US, climbing to 600.9 M $ US in 2020—a notable 10.3% increase. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 21.8%, averaging an annual rate of 6.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Spain remained the leading buyer of onions and shallots from the Americas in value terms, consistently holding a 3.5% share of total exports.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Americas

Imports in kind, K t

Onion and shallot imports into the Americas have increased for the second year in a row. In 2019, imports stood at 1 000 K t, rising to 1 128 K t in 2020—a strong gain of 12.8%. Despite this recent growth, imports fell by 52.7% overall from 2017 to 2020, with an average annual decline of 22.1%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 323 K t, which also saw the largest drop of 68.4%, while the biggest increase of 32.6% occurred in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (15.5% of import volumes), Spain (1.6%), and China (0.7%) formed the core of onion and shallot imports into the Americas, together accounting for 17.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of onion and shallot imports into the Americas declined. In 2019, imports peaked at 394.8 M $ US, but fell to 377.8 M $ US in 2020—a decrease of 4.3%. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 38.1%, with an average annual rate of 11.4%. The largest rise of 29.0% was recorded in 2019.

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

In 2017-2020, the Netherlands (12.1% of import value), Spain (1.6%), and China (0.7%) continued to be the main suppliers of onions and shallots to the Americas, jointly representing 14.5% of total import value.

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

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