Onions and shallots market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the market volume for fresh onions and shallots in North Macedonia demonstrated consistent growth, expanding from 59 729 t to 70 755 t. This represented an overall increase of over 18%, with the most notable annual rises occurring in 2020 and 2022, when the market grew by 5.3% and 6.1%, respectively.

A turning point came in 2023, when the market contracted by 5.9% to 66 573 t. This decline coincided with a drop in domestic production to 62 981 t, down from 68 217 t the previous year. The reduction in output was partially offset by a sharp rise in imports, which reached 7 673 t, while exports also increased moderately.

Over the entire observed period from 2018 to 2023, the market for onions and shallots grew by 11.5%, reaching its peak volume in 2022 before experiencing a correction. The overall expansion was supported by generally rising production levels and increasing import volumes throughout most years.

Production onions and shallots in North Macedonia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

North Macedonia's onion and shallot production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2019, the country produced 61,300 tonnes, which increased to 65,416 tonnes in 2020—a modest gain of 6.7%. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 12.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports onions and shallots from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

In 2019, North Macedonia exported 4,740 tonnes of onions and shallots, which grew to 5,208 tonnes in 2020—a measured increase of 9.8%. Over the 2017–2020 period, exports increased by 12.4%, with an average annual rate of 4.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 5,645 tonnes, marking a significant rise of 21.8% from the previous year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest decline, with exports dropping by 15.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia was the top buyer of North Macedonia's onions and shallots, accounting for 38.1% of exports in volume. Poland followed with 9.0%, and Croatia with 5.5%. Together, these three countries made up 52.6% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After rising for two years, the value of North Macedonia's onion and shallot exports fell. In 2019, exports reached a peak of 2,237 thousand US dollars, but dropped to 1,241 thousand US dollars in 2020—a sharp decline of 44.5%. Over the 2017–2020 period, export value still increased by 7.3%, averaging 2.4% per year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 42.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Serbia led as the main destination for North Macedonia's onion and shallot exports in value terms, with a 32.3% share. Croatia accounted for 14.2%, and Poland for 10.3%. Combined, these three countries represented 56.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, North Macedonia's imports of onions and shallots decreased. In 2019, imports peaked at 5,410 tonnes, then fell to 5,029 tonnes in 2020—a modest decline of 7.0%. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports increased by 51.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.9%. The largest increase was in 2018, rising by 30.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia was the primary source for North Macedonia's onion and shallot imports in volume, making up 63.8%. Albania contributed 15.6%, and Moldova 5.9%. Together, these three countries accounted for 85.3% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year upward trend, North Macedonia's imports of onions and shallots in value terms declined. In 2019, imports reached a high of 1,968 thousand US dollars, but dropped to 1,499 thousand US dollars in 2020—a decrease of 23.8%. Over the 2017–2020 period, import value grew by 80%, averaging 21.6% per year. The largest increase was in 2018, with a surge of 65.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Serbia was the leading supplier of onions and shallots to North Macedonia in value terms, with a 55.5% share. The Netherlands accounted for 19.2%, and Albania for 9.1%. Combined, these three countries made up 83.9% of total import value.

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

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