Onions and shallots market in Mozambique

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Mozambique's onion and shallot production increased from 231 thousand tons to 295 thousand tons, while imports dropped sharply to nearly zero. This shift was supported by the introduction of four new onion varieties adapted to local climate conditions by the Instituto de Investigação Agrária de Moçambique, which helped boost domestic output. Additionally, the private company Afrifruta began fruit and vegetable agro-processing operations in Inharrime, adding new capacity to the sector.

Production continued to grow, reaching 410 thousand tons in 2022, with market volume peaking at 438 thousand tons. The SIMA market information service provided weekly price and market updates, aiding producer decisions. However, new environmental regulations, including the Diploma Ministerial de Contrabalanços de Biodiversidade, came into effect, influencing agricultural practices and project approvals.

In 2023, production fell to 254 thousand tons and market volume declined to 329 thousand tons. This drop coincided with reported climatic factors affecting yields and the need for modernization in cultivation and post-harvest techniques. The government launched agricultural campaigns targeting sector transformation, including efforts to reduce losses and improve productivity for onions and shallots.

Production onions and shallots in Mozambique

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

Mozambique's onion and shallot production has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 294.8 thousand tonnes, marking a 17.4% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 50.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 14.7%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Mozambique

Exports in kind, kg

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 7.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Mozambique exported 2 410 kg of onions and shallots, representing a 140.8% year-over-year increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 9.5%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 242.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mozambique in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Singapore, the Marshall Islands, and Panama were notable but not dominant buyers of onions and shallots from Mozambique. Singapore accounted for 19.8% of exports in kind, the Marshall Islands for 18.3%, and Panama for 6.4%. Together, their share reached only 44.5% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 6.4-fold gap. In 2020, the value of onions and shallots leaving Mozambique amounted to 6 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a 218.5% rise compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 4.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner portfolio for exports in value terms of onions and shallots from Mozambique was quite broad. Singapore accounted for 25.4% of exports in value terms, Switzerland for 10.2%, and the United Arab Emirates for 8.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 44.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Mozambique

Imports in kind, kg

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 1 603 times. In 2020, Mozambique imported a total of 73 565 kg of onions and shallots, marking a 99.8% decline from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 117 958 842 kg, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 142.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mozambique in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the two leading destinations—China and Finland—together accounted for 99.2% of total imports in kind of onions and shallots to Mozambique.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Imports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2018, differing by a 1.9 multiple. In 2020, onions and shallots imports to Mozambique reached 15 799 thousand US dollars, showing a 1.2% year-over-year rise. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 18 303 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 14.7%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 87.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa was by far the main destination for imports in value terms of onions and shallots to Mozambique, accounting for 99.8% of total flows.

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

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