Onions and shallots market in Oman

Earlier Report Observations

The market for onions and shallots in Oman reached its peak volume of 113.7 thousand tons in 2019 before entering a period of sustained decline, falling to 64 thousand tons by 2023. Over this same period, domestic production more than doubled from 9.3 thousand tons to 17.2 thousand tons, while imports were halved from 106.4 thousand tons to 47.3 thousand tons. In late 2023, the government imposed a temporary ban on exports of all fresh onions from October to December, later extended until March 2024, in response to sharp domestic price increases. This measure coincided with reports of a piled-up local harvest as the market was saturated with imported produce, creating sales challenges for domestic farmers.

A sharp reversal occurred in 2024, with imports rebounding to 106.1 thousand tons. This recovery followed the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's decision to lift all export restrictions in April 2024 and the opening of the new central wholesale market 'Sall' for fruits and vegetables in the second quarter, which enhanced logistics for fresh produce. Concurrently, agricultural authorities actively encouraged investment in onion cultivation in the Al Dhahirah Governorate to boost food security, supporting the ongoing expansion of local production capacities.

Production onions and shallots in Oman

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

Oman's production of onions and shallots rebounded after two years of decline. In 2020, the country produced 14 376 tonnes, marking a significant increase of 56.9% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 38.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 9 163 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, when production fell by 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Oman in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports onions and shallots from Oman

Exports in kind, K t

The market for onion and shallot exports from Oman showed notable fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1.5 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2020 at 5.9 thousand tonnes, representing a fourfold difference between these years. In 2020, exports surged by 216.3% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 28.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar consistently accounted for 80.9% of Oman's total onion and shallot exports by volume, indicating a highly concentrated market with a long tail of smaller buyers.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of onion and shallot exports from Oman displayed an unstable trend over this timeframe. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 408 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2020 at 2 024 thousand US dollars, showing a fivefold gap between these years. In 2020, export value increased sharply by 396.0% compared to 2019. The largest decline was in 2019, with a decrease of 65.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main buyers of onions and shallots from Oman by value were the United Arab Emirates (43.9% of total export value), Qatar (33.8%), and Kuwait (11.4%). Together, these three countries accounted for 89.0% of Oman's total export value in this category.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Oman

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Oman's import volume of onions and shallots declined. In 2020, imports reached 102.7 thousand tonnes, a decrease of 3.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 8.2%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 106.4 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase occurring that year at 11.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India (49.4% of import volume), Egypt (16.5%), and Pakistan (12.4%) were the largest contributors to Oman's onion and shallot imports by volume. Together, these three countries accounted for 78.3% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of onion and shallot imports into Oman increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 26 262 thousand US dollars, marking a substantial gain of 41.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value grew by 55.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 26 262 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred that year at 10.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India (40.6% of import value), Egypt (18.8%), and the United Arab Emirates (16.2%) led the structure of Oman's onion and shallot imports by value. Collectively, these three countries represented 75.6% of total import value.

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

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