Onions and shallots market in Myanmar

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for fresh onions and shallots in Myanmar increased from 1 005 thousand tons to 1 059 thousand tons. This expansion was supported by rising production, which peaked at 1 110 thousand tons in 2020. During this period, onion prices showed significant swings, climbing to $1.54 per kg in 2018 amid tight supply-demand balance and then falling to $1.16 per kg in 2020 as larger harvests eased market pressure.

From 2021 onward, domestic market volume contracted, declining to 957 thousand tons in 2021 and further to 943 thousand tons in 2023. The reduction in 2021 occurred alongside a price rebound to $1.59 per kg, pointing to tighter supply conditions that limited local availability. A major shift took place in 2023 when Myanmar's onion and shallot exports jumped by 94% to 106 thousand tons, making the country the leading supplier in South-East Asia. This export surge diverted production away from the home market, contributing to the lower domestic volume.

Production onions and shallots in Myanmar

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Myanmar ranked 22nd 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

Myanmar's onion and shallot production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 110 thousand tonnes, marking a 7.4% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 10.2%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 3.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of Myanmar's onion and shallot output was 1 284 million US dollars, down by 21.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 26.6%, with an annualized decline rate of 9.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 8.7%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Myanmar

Exports in kind, t

Myanmar's onion and shallot exports rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 50 460 tonnes, representing a sharp increase of 159.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 854.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 112.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bangladesh, Thailand, and China were the main buyers of Myanmar's onions and shallots in terms of volume. Bangladesh accounted for 31.3% of exports, Thailand for 29.9%, and China for 14.4%, together making up 75.6% of total export volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Myanmar's onion and shallot exports in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 58 379 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic gain of 89.3% relative to the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 535.5%, with an annualized rate of 85.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Bangladesh, and Thailand led as the top buyers of Myanmar's onions and shallots in value terms. China accounted for 59.4% of export value, Bangladesh for 17.9%, and Thailand for 15.0%, collectively representing 92.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Myanmar

Imports in kind, t

Myanmar's onion and shallot imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2019, import volume stood at 0.2 tonnes, marking an abrupt fall of 99.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2019, imports decreased by 99.9%, with an annualized decline rate of 89.2%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, India, Thailand, and Turkey were the primary sources for Myanmar's onion and shallot imports in terms of volume. India accounted for 43.8% of imports, Thailand for 20.1%, and Turkey for 18.9%, together comprising 82.9% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Myanmar's onion and shallot imports in value terms fell for the second consecutive year. In 2019, imports came to 0.1 thousand US dollars, representing a sudden decrease of 99.7% compared to 2018. From 2017 to 2019, import value dropped by 99.9%, with an annualized decline rate of 91.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands and India played the leading roles in Myanmar's onion and shallot imports in value terms, with a combined share of 82.1% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

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