Onions and shallots market in Belgium

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh onions and shallots in Belgium saw substantial growth from 2018 to 2021, with volume increasing by over 130 thousand tonnes to reach 318.4 thousand tonnes. This expansion coincided with a sharp rise in domestic production, which peaked at 241.8 thousand tonnes in 2021, while imports and exports remained relatively stable.

After the 2021 peak, market volume contracted to 236.7 thousand tonnes in 2022 and eased slightly to 231.0 thousand tonnes in 2023. Production fell markedly in 2022 before a modest recovery, and exports began to climb from 2022 onward, reaching 43.9 thousand tonnes in 2023.

By 2024, European market dynamics influenced the sector. German onion prices were high due to lower harvest volumes, and demand for organic onions continued to grow. Spain increased its onion planting area by 16% for the 2023/2024 season, affecting regional supply. Strict Class I standards and UNECE packaging requirements define market access, while consumer preferences shift towards organic and pesticide-free produce.

Production onions and shallots in Belgium

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

Belgium's production of onions and shallots has grown for the third year in a row. In 2019, the country produced 161.3 thousand tons, which increased to 176.5 thousand tons in 2020, marking a 9.4% rise. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 90.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 23.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The market showed significant volatility during these years. From 2017 to 2019, values fluctuated with a peak-to-trough difference of 1.9 times. In 2019, the output value peaked at 86,787 thousand US dollars, but in 2020, it dropped to 85,318 thousand US dollars, a 1.7% decrease year-over-year. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, at 86.9%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Belgium

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of decline, Belgium's exports of onions and shallots rebounded. In 2019, exports hit a low of 31.0 thousand tons, but in 2020, they rose to 36.1 thousand tons, a 16.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 31.3%, with an average annual decline of 11.8%. The sharpest drop was in 2018, at 30.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, the Netherlands, and Côte d'Ivoire were the top buyers of Belgian onions and shallots, accounting for 44.4%, 30.5%, and 6.7% of exports in volume, respectively. Together, these three countries made up 81.7% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Belgium's exports of onions and shallots in value terms have increased for two consecutive years. In 2019, exports were 16,239 thousand US dollars, rising to 17,473 thousand US dollars in 2020, a 4.8% uptick. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 30.8%, with an annualized rate of 11.5%. The largest decline was in 2018, at 35.7%.

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

During 2017-2020, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg dominated Belgium's exports in value, collectively representing 82.3% of the total.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Belgium

Imports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, imports of onions and shallots into Belgium picked up. In 2019, imports were at their lowest at 110.2 thousand tons, but in 2020, they increased to 120.1 thousand tons, a moderate 9.0% advance. Over the 2017-2020 span, imports decreased by 6.1%, with an average annual drop of 2.1%. The largest decline was in 2019, at 7.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, France, and Poland were the main suppliers of onions and shallots to Belgium, contributing 60.5%, 12.2%, and 11.5% of imports in volume, respectively. Together, they accounted for 84.2% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Belgium's imports of onions and shallots in value terms declined. In 2019, imports reached a high of 79,254 thousand US dollars, but in 2020, they fell to 73,054 thousand US dollars, down 7.8% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 4.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The largest increase was in 2019, at 11.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the Netherlands, France, and Spain were the key sources for Belgium's imports in value, together making up 85.4% of total flows.

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

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