Onions and shallots market in New Zealand, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, New Zealand's onion production remained above 250 000 tonnes annually, but the domestic market volume halved as exports surged from 135 700 tonnes to over 200 000 tonnes. This export growth was supported by Onions New Zealand's initiatives to increase sustainable yields and target overseas markets. Meanwhile, the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management began shaping land-use regulations for intensive cropping, affecting production planning.

Between 2021 and 2023, production declined to around 219 000 tonnes, influenced by global supply chain disruptions, outdated farming techniques, and persistently high energy and transport costs. These factors reduced export competitiveness, leading to lower shipped volumes and a rebound in domestic market volume to 85 300 tonnes by 2023. Concurrently, consumer interest in organic and frozen onion products grew, opening new market segments.

In 2024 and 2025, export volumes recovered to over 160 000 tonnes, while weather-related shortages in related vegetables and ongoing global market pressures continued to influence availability and pricing. The freshwater management policy remained a key factor for production decisions, with sustained focus on sustainable practices and export markets.

Production onions and shallots in New Zealand

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2018-2021

World map of production of onions and shallots, 2018-2021

New Zealand's production of onions and shallots has declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, output reached 251.2 thousand tonnes, remaining nearly unchanged compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 2.9%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 1.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 265.8 thousand tonnes, marking a 2.7% increase from the previous year. However, this was followed by the largest decline of 5.4% in 2020.

Annual dynamics of production in New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports onions and shallots from New Zealand

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, New Zealand's exports of onions and shallots saw a decline. In 2021, export volume stood at 201.2 thousand tonnes, down 0.6% year-over-year. From 2018 to 2021, exports overall increased by 48.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 14.0%. The peak export volume occurred in 2020 at 202.4 thousand tonnes, while the largest annual increase was in 2019 with a 32.0% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, New Zealand's export structure for onions and shallots was relatively balanced rather than concentrated. Indonesia accounted for 18.9% of exports, the Netherlands for 16.1%, and Germany for 14.2%, together making up 49.3% of total flows. The remaining 50.7% was distributed among many other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 1.8-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2018. In 2021, the value of exported onions and shallots from New Zealand amounted to 101.2 million US dollars, showing a modest increase of 5.4% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 114.1 million US dollars, which represented an 83.7% surge from 2018. However, this was followed by a 15.9% decline in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, New Zealand's onions and shallots were exported to a diverse range of markets. Indonesia contributed 20.3% of export value, the Netherlands 14.4%, and Germany 13.9%, collectively accounting for 48.6% of total exports. The remaining 51.4% was spread across numerous smaller destinations.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from New Zealand in value, 2018-2021

Imports onions and shallots to New Zealand

Imports in kind, K t

New Zealand's imports of onions and shallots have decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, import volume totaled 0.1 thousand tonnes, down sharply by 72.9% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports plummeted by 95.4%, equating to an annualized decline of 64.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, the United States was the dominant source for onions and shallots imported into New Zealand, representing 84.1% of total import volume. Other countries contributed to a smaller share of imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to New Zealand in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

New Zealand's imports of onions and shallots have declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, import value reached 0.1 million US dollars, marking a sharp reduction of 57.8% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports dropped by 93.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -60.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to New Zealand in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

During 2018–2021, the United States accounted for 87.5% of the total value of onions and shallots imported into New Zealand. The remaining imports were distributed among various smaller partners.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to New Zealand in value, 2018-2021