Onions and shallots market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh onions and shallots in the CIS fell sharply from 5.3 million tons in 2018 to 4.8 million tons in 2019, before recovering to around 5.1 million tons in 2020 and stabilizing near 5.0 million tons in 2021-2022.

In 2022, the market's structure shifted as domestic production in Russia expanded its share, reducing import dependence, particularly from Kazakhstan. This rebalancing occurred alongside stable overall volume. The following year, a record onion harvest in Russia—over 1.3 million tons—coupled with rising per capita consumption and lower prices, pushed the total market volume to 5.3 million tons in 2023.

Simultaneously, the shallot segment gained traction with the introduction of new, more durable varieties and growing consumer preference for its milder taste, broadening the product range available in the market.

Production onions and shallots in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, CIS countries produced 5,132 thousand tons of onions and shallots, marking a 3.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 5,345 thousand tons, when output surged by 10.3%. However, in 2019, production experienced its largest decline, dropping by 7.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of growth, the value of onion and shallot production in CIS countries declined. In 2020, output was valued at 1,338 million US dollars, down 1.1% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 14.6%, averaging 4.7% growth per year. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 1,352 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase occurring in 2018 at 11.3%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for onions and shallots from CIS countries showed significant volatility during the observed period. In 2017, exports hit their lowest point, while 2019 saw the peak volume at 441.3 thousand tons—a 2.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, export volumes fell sharply to 286.8 thousand tons, representing a 35.0% decline compared to 2019. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019, when exports surged by 137.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, CIS countries exported onions and shallots to a wide range of markets. Even the top three destinations—Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Pakistan—collectively accounted for only 21.4% of total export volumes, highlighting the diversity of trade partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of onion and shallot exports from CIS countries experienced notable fluctuations. In 2017, export value was at its lowest, while 2019 recorded the highest value at 120.2 million US dollars—a threefold difference between these years. In 2020, exports dropped to 74.8 million US dollars, a sharp 37.8% decrease from 2019. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, with export value rising by 166.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the structure of onion and shallot exports in value terms reflected a diversified set of partners. Ukraine accounted for 12.5% of export value, Pakistan for 5.0%, and Turkey for 4.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 21.5% of total export flows, with the remaining 78.5% distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of onions and shallots into CIS countries increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 275.9 thousand tons, up 10.6% from 2019. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 29.6%, averaging an 11.0% annual decline. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 150.8 thousand tons, when imports fell by 61.5%. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase, with imports rising by 65.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner structure for onion and shallot imports in volume terms remained fragmented. Egypt accounted for 17.0% of import volume, China for 13.2%, and Turkey for 6.5%. Together, these three countries represented only 36.7% of total import flows, with no single supplier holding a dominant share.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of onions and shallots into CIS countries in value terms rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 124.2 million US dollars, a 4.0% increase from 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, however, import value decreased by 27%, with an average annual decline of 9.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 85.7 million US dollars, when imports fell by 49.6%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, with import value growing by 39.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt, China, and the Netherlands were the primary suppliers of onions and shallots to CIS countries in value terms. Egypt accounted for 20.7% of import value, China for 16.7%, and the Netherlands for 13.7%. Together, these three countries represented 51.1% of total import value during this period.

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

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