Onions and shallots market in Australia and New Zealand

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh onions and shallots in Australia and New Zealand contracted from 376 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 274 thousand tonnes in 2021, before recovering to 321 thousand tonnes in 2022 and then easing to 305 thousand tonnes in 2023. The initial decline coincided with global supply chain disruptions, which constrained imports and affected availability. The rebound in 2022 was primarily driven by a sharp drop in exports, as the Russia-Ukraine war disrupted European onion supplies and altered international trade flows, retaining more produce within the region.

Domestic production peaked at 557 thousand tonnes in 2019 before trending downward to 475 thousand tonnes by 2023. During this period, companies invested in modern packing facilities and research to improve efficiency, while new entrants like Verdant Robotics secured major funding to optimize supply chains. Consumer demand increasingly shifted toward organic and convenient options, prompting launches such as Bonduelle Group's organic onion range and expanded pre-packaged offerings from other players.

Trade patterns remained volatile, with exports reaching 251 thousand tonnes in 2021 then falling steeply, while imports gradually recovered to 9.2 thousand tonnes by 2025. Market consolidation continued through mergers and acquisitions, and sustained investment in farming techniques aimed at boosting yields and meeting evolving regulatory and consumer preferences for sustainable produce.

Production onions and shallots in Australia and New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2018-2021

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

Onion and shallot production in Australia and New Zealand has declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 522.6 thousand tonnes, marking a slight year-on-year decrease of 1.9%. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 2.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 0.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 556.7 thousand tonnes, with a notable increase of 3.5% that year. However, the largest drop occurred in 2020, when production decreased by 4.3%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Australia and New Zealand

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of onions and shallots from Australia and New Zealand have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export volumes amounted to 250.8 thousand tonnes, showing a modest increase of 3.2% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 48.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 14.2%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, onion and shallot exports from Australia and New Zealand were not heavily concentrated in a few key markets. The top three destinations—Indonesia (15.9% of export volumes), the Netherlands (14.1%), and Germany (12.3%)—collectively accounted for just 42.3% of total exports, indicating a diverse distribution across multiple partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The export market for onions and shallots from Australia and New Zealand showed volatility during the observed period. From a low in 2018 to a peak in 2019, export values varied by a factor of 1.8. In 2021, exports reached 126.3 million US dollars, up 7.1% from 2020. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 141.4 million US dollars, with a substantial increase of 78.1% that year. However, the largest decline occurred in 2020, when export values fell by 16.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Indonesia (16.9% of export value), the Netherlands (12.7%), and Germany (11.8%) were the largest buyers of onions and shallots from Australia and New Zealand, but they did not dominate the market. Together, these three countries accounted for 41.4% of total export value, with the remainder spread across a wide range of smaller partners.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Australia and New Zealand

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of onions and shallots into Australia and New Zealand have declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, import volumes totaled 2.0 thousand tonnes, representing a dramatic decrease of 55.6% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports dropped by 72.4%, with an average annual decline of 34.9%. The peak was in 2019 at 8.2 thousand tonnes, which saw a significant increase of 13.0% that year.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, China and the United States dominated onion and shallot imports into Australia and New Zealand, accounting for 85.9% of total import volumes. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations, each contributing smaller amounts.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Foreign supplies of onions and shallots to Australia and New Zealand have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import value stood at 2.7 million US dollars, down 25.3% year-on-year. From 2018 to 2021, imports fell by 56.4%, with an average annual decline of 24.2%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 6.1 million US dollars, which saw a minimal increase of 0.1% that year. The largest drop occurred in 2020, with a decline of 41.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Australia and New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, China (48.2% of import value), the United States (26.5%), and the Netherlands (21.8%) were the primary suppliers of onions and shallots to Australia and New Zealand. Together, these three countries comprised 96.5% of total import value, highlighting a high concentration in the import market.

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

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