Onions and shallots market in China

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the market volume for fresh onions and shallots in China expanded from 24.1 million metric tons to 24.4 million metric tons. This growth was supported by continuous advancements in cultivation techniques, including seed improvement, irrigation, and pest management, which raised yields and quality. Additionally, the development of processing and preservation technologies, such as slicing, freezing, and dehydration, created new demand channels for onion products. The overall expansion of vegetable planting areas across China, driven by agricultural restructuring and technical reforms, further contributed to increasing onion production scales.

From 2022, the market experienced slight contractions, with volume dipping to 24.3 million metric tons in 2022 and 24.0 million metric tons in 2023. Policy measures in Asia, such as export bans and tariff quotas in India and other countries, introduced supply chain uncertainties and raised commercial risks, which influenced trade flows and encouraged higher Chinese exports. In 2023, exceptionally high onion prices—reaching a two-decade peak—combined with adverse weather affecting quality and shelf life, dampened consumer purchasing willingness. Despite these headwinds, onion planted area recovered to 2021 levels, with area up nearly 12% and production rising close to 15%, reaching a historical high, much of which was directed toward export markets.

Production onions and shallots in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China maintained its position as the world's leading producer of onions and shallots by volume.

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

China's production of onions and shallots grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 25 185 K t, showing only a slight fluctuation compared to 2019.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, China's production value of onions and shallots declined in 2020. Output was valued at 14 157 M $ US, marking a moderate decrease of 8.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The peak value occurred in 2019 at 15 408 M $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 10.2%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from China

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, China exported 881.4 K t of onions and shallots, a 10.3% decrease from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 4.3%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 1.5%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 982.7 K t, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 8.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Japan, Vietnam, and Malaysia were the top destinations for China's onion and shallot exports by volume. Japan accounted for 28.8% of exports, Vietnam for 24.4%, and Malaysia for 10.1%, together making up 63.3% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, China's export value of onions and shallots dropped in 2020. Exports amounted to 495.4 M $ US, down 18.0% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 2.3%, with an annualized decline of 0.8%. The peak value was in 2019 at 604.0 M $ US, which also saw the largest annual increase of 18.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Japan, and Malaysia emerged as the primary markets for China's onion and shallot exports by value. Vietnam represented 47.4% of exports, Japan 23.5%, and Malaysia 5.4%, collectively accounting for 76.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to China

Imports in kind, K t

Import data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 52-fold difference between the high in 2018 and the low in 2020. In 2020, China imported 0.1 K t of onions and shallots, a sharp reduction of 96.5% from the previous year. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 6.0 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 31.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India dominated China's imports of onions and shallots by volume, accounting for 87.1% of total flows, while other countries made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period, with a 35-fold variation between the peak in 2018 and the trough in 2020. In 2020, China's import value of onions and shallots was 0.0 M $ US, a 93.0% loss compared to the previous year. The highest value was in 2018 at 1.3 M $ US, which also recorded the largest annual increase of 16.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, India was the dominant source for China's imports of onions and shallots by value, representing 87.8% of total flows, with other destinations contributing relatively small shares.

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

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