Onions and shallots market in Egypt

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, Egypt maintained substantial onion cultivation areas, yielding production sufficient for domestic consumption and creating an export surplus. This allowed a sharp rise in exports to 446 thousand t in 2019, which reduced the domestic market volume. In 2020, while Egypt solidified its position as the world's third-largest onion producer and exporter, export shipments moderated, and coupled with rising output, this helped restore the home market to 2.8 million t.

Onion production continued to expand in 2021, reaching 3.6 million t, leading to a significant domestic market enlargement to 3.3 million t as exports remained restrained. However, in 2023, production volume contracted due to shortcomings in agricultural advisory services and cultivation practices. Simultaneously, the government imposed a ban on exports of all onion types until March 2024 to curb a sharp spike in local prices driven by supply shortage. These measures resulted in declines in both exports and overall market size.

For 2024, onion cultivated area was expanded by 40 thousand acres, leading to an unprecedented production increase. Following the export ban's lift in March 2024, exports resumed under new quality‑packaging and phytosanitary requirements, reinforcing Egypt's position among the world's leading onion exporters.

Production onions and shallots in Egypt

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt maintained the fourth position globally in terms of onion and shallot production volume.

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

Egypt's onion and shallot production grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 3 199 thousand tonnes, marking a 4.0% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 7.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, Egypt's onion and shallot production value declined. In 2020, output was valued at 1 633 million US dollars, down 2.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 29.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 9.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 672 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 16.2%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Egypt

Exports in kind, K t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The highest export volume was reached in 2017, while the lowest occurred in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 2 times. In 2020, Egypt exported 352.7 thousand tonnes of onions and shallots, representing a significant decline of 20.9% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 245.7 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 49.7%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 81.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Egypt's onion and shallot exports in volume were Saudi Arabia (32.9% of exports), Russia (12.0%), and the Netherlands (9.9%). Together, these three markets accounted for 54.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. The period saw a peak in 2019 and a trough in 2018, with a 2.1-fold amplitude. In 2020, onion and shallot shipments from Egypt amounted to 180.1 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp decline of 25.7% from the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 117.2 million US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 242.3 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 43.5%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 106.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the Netherlands—together accounted for 53.6% of Egypt's total onion and shallot export value.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Egypt

Imports in kind, K t

Egypt's onion and shallot import volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 0.0 thousand tonnes, reflecting a steep fall of 73.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 97.9%, with an average annual decline rate of 72.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Iraq—together absorbed 21.8% of Egypt's total onion and shallot imports in volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Egypt's cross-border shipments of onions and shallots declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 0.0 million US dollars, marking a drop of 74.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 97.9%, with an average annual decline rate of 72.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia (18.4% of import value), South Korea (2.5%), and Iraq (0.9%) were the principal destinations for Egypt's onion and shallot imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 21.8% of total flows.

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

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