Onions and shallots market in Canada

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the fresh onions and shallots market in Canada grew from 362 thousand tons in 2018 to 438 thousand tons in 2023. This expansion was supported by a sustained increase in consumer demand for healthy and organic foods, along with greater awareness of the nutritional benefits of onions and shallots. Although the market contracted to 382 thousand tons in 2020, it rebounded strongly in 2021, reaching 431 thousand tons.

In value terms, the market exhibited more pronounced fluctuations, rising from $268 million in 2018 to $404 million in 2023, with a peak of $440 million in 2022. The growth in market value reflected both higher volumes and shifting price levels. Improved growing conditions in 2024, following a wet 2023, contributed to record planting areas and export volumes, indicating a recovery in production potential.

Production onions and shallots in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

Canada's production of onions and shallots declined after two years of growth. In 2019, output reached its peak at 250.8 thousand tonnes, marking a 3.8% increase from the previous year. However, by 2020, production had fallen to 232.8 thousand tonnes, representing a 7.2% decrease compared to 2019.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, the value of Canada's onions and shallots production declined. In 2018, production saw its largest annual increase at 8.7%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 170.8 million US dollars. By 2020, production value had dropped to 157.4 million US dollars, showing a 7.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 4.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Canada in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports onions and shallots from Canada

Exports in kind, K t

Canada's exports of onions and shallots in 2020 remained nearly unchanged from 2019, totaling 61.7 thousand tonnes. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 67.0 thousand tonnes, which represented a 2.9% increase from the previous year. In 2019, exports fell to their lowest point at 61.5 thousand tonnes, marking an 8.2% decline. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 5.2%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 1.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada's onion and shallot exports were highly concentrated, with the United States accounting for 99.6% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Canada's onion and shallot export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports reached their peak at 45.6 million US dollars, showing a 9.2% increase from the previous year. In 2019, exports experienced their largest decline at 8.1%. By 2020, export value stood at 41.7 million US dollars, showing minimal change from 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada's onion and shallot export value was highly concentrated, with the United States accounting for 99.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Canada

Imports in kind, K t

Canada's imports of onions and shallots increased for the second consecutive year. In 2018, imports reached their lowest point at 187.1 thousand tonnes, marking a 0.5% decline. In 2019, imports saw their largest increase at 10.6%. By 2020, imports had risen to 210.8 thousand tonnes, representing a 1.9% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 12.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States was the main supplier of onions and shallots to Canada, accounting for 81.4% of total import volumes, while other partners held relatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of Canada's onion and shallot imports declined. In 2019, imports reached their peak at 178.8 million US dollars, marking a 19.7% increase from the previous year. By 2020, import value had fallen to 160.6 million US dollars, representing a 10.2% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 16.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, two countries—the United States and Mexico—accounted for most of Canada's onion and shallot import value, while other markets were less significant individually.

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

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