Onions and shallots market in Qatar

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the market for fresh onions and shallots in Qatar underwent notable shifts, primarily influenced by changes in import volumes against a backdrop of steadily rising domestic production supported by state initiatives. The establishment of Mahaseel in 2018, alongside the adoption of new agricultural technologies, laid the groundwork for expanding local output. By 2019, continued government backing for farming projects and enhanced supply chains contributed to growth in both production and imports, increasing the total market volume.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted global supply chains, leading to a decline in imports while simultaneously spurring local production as part of food security efforts. Subsequent changes to import legislation in 2021 further reduced inbound shipments, coinciding with a temporary dip in domestic output. By 2022, state investments in agricultural infrastructure and improved distribution channels helped restore market growth.

In 2023, regional alterations to supply chains caused a sharp contraction in imports, which dramatically reduced the overall market size despite continued expansion of local production fueled by strengthened public-private sector cooperation.

Production onions and shallots in Qatar

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

Qatar's production of onions and shallots has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 2 671 tonnes, marking a 4.9% increase from 2019. Production hit its lowest point in 2018 at 1 597 tonnes, which represented a 40.0% decline from the previous year. The most significant growth occurred in 2019, with production surging by 59.4%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Qatar

Marketing reports indicate that Qatar did not export any onions or shallots between 2017 and 2020.

Imports onions and shallots to Qatar

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Qatar's imports of onions and shallots from abroad decreased in 2020. The country imported 90 337 tonnes that year, down 5.9% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 10%, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.2%. The peak was in 2019 at 96 034 tonnes, while the largest annual increase happened in 2018 at 13.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Pakistan, and Iran were Qatar's top suppliers of onions and shallots by volume. India accounted for 65.6% of imports, Pakistan for 12.6%, and Iran for 10.0%. Together, these three countries made up 88.2% of Qatar's total imports in this category.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of Qatar's onion and shallot imports from abroad reached 36 491 thousand US dollars, a 27.4% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import values grew by 27.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 8.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 28 633 thousand US dollars, which was a 7.2% drop from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Pakistan, and Iran were the leading sources of Qatar's onion and shallot imports by value. India contributed 58.7% of the total import value, Pakistan 12.6%, and Iran 7.1%. Combined, these three countries represented 78.4% of Qatar's import flows in monetary terms.

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

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