Onions and shallots market in Ecuador

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the market volume of onions and shallots in Ecuador was 131.0 thousand tons. This level followed a reported 20% reduction in planted area and national production compared to 2017, coupled with a 31% decline in producer prices. Credit programs from solidarity economy institutions and private banks supported over 1 800 producers across 13 provinces during the year. The market volume then increased to 140.5 thousand tons in 2019.

The market contracted to 121.4 thousand tons in 2020. This coincided with the implementation of Agrocalidad's technical regulations for the registration and control of fertilizers and phytosanitary products, which raised input costs for onion cultivation. By 2021, the market volume fell further to 111.0 thousand tons amid persistent international competition and local production challenges, even as exports to Colombia and Spain continued.

A slight recovery to 113.7 thousand tons occurred in 2022. Harvested area for red onion exceeded 1 600 hectares, but production faced a sharp 238% increase in costs at origin and global reductions in planted area. Logistical and climatic problems in supplier countries like Peru and New Zealand affected supply, while new food labeling rules for processed foods from ARCSA altered commercialization. In 2023, the market volume declined to 103.2 thousand tons as low local production and high demand pushed prices up by over 50%, and competition from cheaper Peruvian imports intensified.

Production onions and shallots in Ecuador

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

In 2019, Ecuador's production of onions and shallots saw a 7.2% increase. However, this was followed by a significant 20.4% decline in 2018, and another drop of 13.8% in 2020, bringing the total output to 121 070 tonnes. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production fell by 26.4%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 9.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Ecuador in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports onions and shallots from Ecuador

Exports in kind, t

Ecuador's exports of onions and shallots experienced notable fluctuations from 2017 to 2020. The lowest point was in 2019, with only 42 tonnes exported, while the peak occurred in 2017, showing a 27-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports rebounded sharply to 126 tonnes, marking a 200.7% increase compared to 2019. The most significant decline was recorded in 2018, at 94.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Colombia was the dominant market for Ecuador's onion and shallot exports in volume terms, accounting for 88.7% of total flows. All other markets combined made up the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In value terms, Ecuador's exports of onions and shallots reached a low of 251.8 thousand US dollars in 2019, which represented a 24.7% decline. However, by 2020, exports surged to 377.7 thousand US dollars, a 50.0% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, total exports grew by 40.1%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 11.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United States and Colombia together dominated Ecuador's onion and shallot exports in value terms, jointly representing 84.3% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Ecuador

Imports in kind, t

Ecuador's imports of onions and shallots in volume terms showed significant volatility from 2017 to 2020. The period from 2017 to 2019 saw a peak-to-trough amplitude of 3.5 times. In 2020, imports jumped to approximately 413 tonnes, a substantial 240.8% increase compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile was the sole source for Ecuador's imports of onions and shallots in volume terms, accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In value terms, Ecuador's imports of onions and shallots hit a trough in 2019, followed by a peak in 2020, with a 3.3-fold gap between these years. In 2020, import volume amounted to 196.0 thousand US dollars, indicating a dramatic 231.0% increase compared to 2019.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Ecuador's imports of onions and shallots in value terms were entirely dependent on Chile, which accounted for 100.0% of total imports.

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

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