Onions and shallots market in Australia

Earlier Report Observations

The Australian onions and shallots market from 2018 to 2023 was shaped by growing consumer health awareness and the rapid expansion of online grocery shopping, which supported market value growth even as physical volumes initially remained steady. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 introduced severe supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, leading to a contraction in both volume and value as logistics challenges and shifting consumption patterns took hold.

A strong rebound in volume and a sharp rise in value occurred in 2022, driven by global supply constraints linked to the Russia-Ukraine war and sustained demand for organic produce. New entrants like Verdant Robotics secured significant funding for expansion, while established players invested in production infrastructure and innovation to cater to health-conscious consumers. By 2023, market value continued climbing despite a volume dip, reflecting higher prices and robust demand for fresh, quality onions and shallots, with online channels capturing nearly a third of grocery purchases.

Production onions and shallots in Australia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2018-2021

World map of production of onions and shallots, 2018-2021

Australia's production of onions and shallots has declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 271.4 thousand tonnes, which represents a 3.5% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production fell by 2.7%, with an average annual decline of 0.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 290.8 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest year-on-year increase of 4.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

The value of onions and shallots production in Australia has also decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 137.7 million US dollars, down 9.8% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production value declined by 6.9%, with an average annual decrease of 2.4%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 171.9 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 16.2%. The most significant drop was recorded in 2020 with an 11.2% decline.

Annual dynamics of production in Australia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports onions and shallots from Australia

Exports in kind, t

Australia's exports of onions and shallots reached 49 583 tonnes in 2021, showing strong growth of 22.4% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports increased by 52.4%, representing an average annual growth rate of 15.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 12.1% decrease, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2019 with 41.8% growth.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Australia's onions and shallots exports were distributed across a broad range of markets. Thailand accounted for 18.0% of export volume, followed by unspecified Asian countries at 14.6%, and Malaysia at 9.1%. Together, these three markets represented 41.7% of total exports, with numerous other countries contributing smaller but still significant shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Australia's onions and shallots exports were valued at 25 160 thousand US dollars, marking a notable increase of 14.4% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 45.8%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 13.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 27 259 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 57.9%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020 with a 19.3% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Australia's onions and shallots exports in value terms were spread across multiple trading partners. Thailand represented 15.3% of export value, unspecified Asian countries accounted for 13.6%, and Malaysia contributed 7.7%. Combined, these three markets represented just 36.5% of total export value, indicating a diversified export portfolio.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Australia in value, 2018-2021

Imports onions and shallots to Australia

Imports in kind, t

Australia's imports of onions and shallots have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled approximately 1 914 tonnes, representing a substantial decrease of 53.9% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 60%, with an average annual decline of 26.3%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 980 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 46.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout the 2018-2021 period, China dominated Australia's onions and shallots imports by volume, accounting for 77.4% of total imports. Other markets contributed much smaller shares to Australia's import portfolio.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of Australia's onions and shallots imports has also declined for two consecutive years. In 2021, imports were valued at 2 523 thousand US dollars, down 21.8% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value decreased by 32.1%, with an average annual decline of 12.1%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 4 994 thousand US dollars, which saw a 34.4% increase. The most significant decline occurred in 2020 with a 35.4% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, China and the Netherlands were the dominant sources for Australia's onions and shallots imports by value, while other countries collectively accounted for the remaining share.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Australia in value, 2018-2021