Onions and shallots market in Oceania

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh onions and shallots in Oceania experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After starting at 385 thousand tons in 2018, consumption declined steadily to 296 thousand tons by 2021, a reduction of over 23%. This was followed by a sharp recovery to 366 thousand tons in 2022, before contracting again to 328 thousand tons in 2023. Domestic production gradually fell from 538 thousand tons in 2018 to 475 thousand tons in 2023, while export volumes varied significantly, peaking at 254 thousand tons in 2021 before moderating.

Underlying these movements, the market has been shaped by evolving consumer preferences and supply-side dynamics. In Australia and New Zealand, shallots have remained the most common fresh allium, favored for their use in Asian fusion cuisine and fresh salads, supporting steady demand for fresh varieties. At the same time, competitive pressure from imports and cost challenges have affected retail pricing, as seen in a 5% decline in the value of onions in New Zealand in mid-2024. A growing consumer focus on organic and pesticide-free produce has also influenced buying patterns, aligning with broader health and culinary trends in the region.

Production onions and shallots in Oceania

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

Oceania's onion and shallot production saw a decline after two years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 556.9 thousand tons, marking a 3.5% increase from the previous year. However, by 2020, output had fallen to 532.6 thousand tons, representing a gradual year-over-year decrease of 4.4%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Oceania

Exports in kind, K t

Oceania's exports of onions and shallots have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 223.1 thousand tons, which is 7.6% higher than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 323.2%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 61.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export structure for onions and shallots from Oceania remained highly fragmented. The top three destinations—the Netherlands (16.2% of exports in volume), Indonesia (14.8%), and Germany (12.3%)—collectively accounted for only 43.3% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market performance for onion and shallot exports from Oceania showed significant fluctuations during this period. In 2018, export value hit its lowest point at 79.4 million US dollars, declining by 16.9% from the previous year. By 2019, it peaked at 141.4 million US dollars, a sharp increase of 78.0%. However, in 2020, the value dropped to 118.0 million US dollars, marking a strong decrease of 16.6% year-over-year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Indonesia (16.3% of export value), the Netherlands (14.2%), and Germany (10.6%) were the largest buyers of onions and shallots from Oceania in monetary terms. Together, they represented 41.2% of total export value, while the rest of the market consisted of numerous smaller partners.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Oceania

Imports in kind, K t

Oceania's imports of onions and shallots increased after two years of decline. In 2019, imports reached their lowest point at 18.6 thousand tons, following a sharp drop of 41.9% in 2018. By 2020, import volume rose to 28.9 thousand tons, indicating a steep year-over-year increase of 55.3%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 15.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China (17.8% of import volume), the United States (9.4%), and the Netherlands (2.4%) were the leading suppliers of onions and shallots to Oceania. Together, these three countries accounted for 29.6% of total imports in volume.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Oceania's imports of onions and shallots in monetary terms declined after two years of growth. In 2019, import value peaked at 22.5 million US dollars, with a 15.6% increase from the previous year. By 2020, it fell to 16.8 million US dollars, representing a 25.4% decrease year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 2.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (14.2% of import value), China (14.1%), and the Netherlands (5.6%) were the principal sources for onions and shallots imported into Oceania in monetary terms. Collectively, they made up 33.9% of total import flows.

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

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