Onions and shallots market in Chile

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Chilean fresh onion and shallot market experienced notable shifts. The market volume began at 378.6 thousand tons in 2018 but dipped to 363.3 thousand tons in 2019. This decline coincided with a 15.1% drop in the value of horticultural imports in the first quarter, reducing the supply of vegetables on the domestic market. A recovery followed in 2020, bringing the market to 377.6 thousand tons, before a significant jump to 417.5 thousand tons in 2021. This surge was partly driven by a reduction in fresh onion exports, which fell to 26 thousand tons in 2021, making more product available for local consumption.

The market contracted to 393.2 thousand tons in 2022 as fresh onion exports soared to 43.1 thousand tons, surpassing the previous year's level and drawing supply away from the domestic market. This export boost was facilitated by recent trade agreements, particularly with the European Union, which improved market access for Chilean onions to destinations like Spain and Brazil. In 2023, the market volume rebounded to a high of 434.2 thousand tons. Despite continued strong export performance, increased imports from key suppliers such as China, the United States, and Peru helped bolster domestic availability, supporting market growth.

Overall, between 2018 and 2023, the Chilean onion and shallot market volume showed volatility but ended the period 14.7% higher, heavily influenced by the interplay between export opportunities and import flows.

Production onions and shallots in Chile

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2018-2021

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

Chile's onion and shallot production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 418.2 thousand tonnes, marking a 4.8% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 12.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.9%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Chile

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.5-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Chile exported 26 106 tonnes of onions and shallots, which represents a 42.8% decrease compared to 2020. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 45 609 tonnes, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, at 111.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil, Spain, and the United Kingdom consistently led Chile's onion and shallot exports by volume. Brazil accounted for 37.3% of exports, Spain for 28.4%, and the United Kingdom for 17.2%. Together, these three countries made up 83.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms was also volatile. Exports hit a low in 2018 and a peak in 2019, with a 1.9-fold gap between these years. In 2021, Chile's onion and shallot exports were valued at 14 323 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 24.1% drop from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 20 199 thousand US dollars, with the largest year-on-year increase also in 2019, at 86.7%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Spain, Brazil, and the United Kingdom were the key partners for Chile's onion and shallot exports by value. Spain represented 36.0% of export value, Brazil 32.6%, and the United Kingdom 15.5%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 84.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Chile

Imports in kind, t

Chile's onion and shallot imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 25 456 tonnes, showing a modest 5.0% rise from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 5.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 16 363 tonnes, with the largest year-on-year decline that year at 32.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 48.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Peru was overwhelmingly the main source for Chile's onion and shallot imports by volume, accounting for 97.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Chile's imports of onions and shallots in value terms have also risen for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 2 669 thousand US dollars, representing an 11.9% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 6.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 595 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 36.6%. The largest increase was in 2020, at 49.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Chile's reliance on Peru was evident in value terms, with this market accounting for 90.7% of total onion and shallot import flows.

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

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