Onions and shallots market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh onions and shallots in Russia expanded from 1 756 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 901 thousand tons in 2020, before contracting to 1 663 thousand tons in 2021. It then rebounded over the next two years, reaching 1 834 thousand tons by 2023.

The contraction in 2021 was directly linked to a 7.1% reduction in planted area and harvest volumes, which constrained domestic supply. Market recovery began in 2022, fueled by rising consumption that was supported by stronger domestic output and increased shipments from Kazakhstan, a leading supplier within the Eurasian Economic Union.

In 2023, the market reached a record volume, with continued growth in local production and steady imports from Kazakhstan ensuring ample supply for consumers.

Production onions and shallots in Russia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Russia ranked 11th globally in the production volume of onions and shallots.

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

Russia's production of onions and shallots increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 738 thousand tons, marking a 4.1% rise compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, overall production declined by 3.1%, averaging an annual decrease of 1.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 642 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 8.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of onions and shallots production in Russia was 211.9 million US dollars, reflecting a notable decline of 14.2% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 2.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The minimum value occurred in 2018 at 204.6 million US dollars, while the peak was in 2019 at 247.0 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 20.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports onions and shallots from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year upward trend, Russia's exports of onions and shallots declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 62.2 thousand tons, a significant drop of 13.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 110%, with a compound annual growth rate of 28.1%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 72.2 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 59.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Serbia, and Azerbaijan were the top contributors to Russia's exports of onions and shallots in volume terms. Ukraine accounted for 51.1% of exports, Serbia for 7.9%, and Azerbaijan for 7.7%, together making up 66.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years, with exports fluctuating significantly. In 2020, Russia exported 7.6 million US dollars worth of onions and shallots, a decrease of 29.0% from 2019. The peak value was in 2019 at 10.7 million US dollars, which also recorded the largest increase of 89.4%. Overall, exports varied threefold from the low in 2017 to the high in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Serbia, and Moldova were the main destinations for Russia's exports of onions and shallots in value terms. Ukraine represented 40.0% of exports, Serbia 10.7%, and Moldova 8.8%, collectively accounting for 59.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Russia's imports of onions and shallots increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached approximately 224.7 thousand tons, a robust advance of 14.5% compared to 2019. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 28.6%, averaging an annual decline of 10.6%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 159.5 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 49.3%. In contrast, 2019 recorded the largest increase of 23.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt, China, and Turkey were the primary suppliers of onions and shallots to Russia in volume terms. Egypt contributed 30.4% of imports, China 23.7%, and Turkey 11.1%, together accounting for 65.3% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Russia's imports of onions and shallots in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 86.0 million US dollars, up by 9.3% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 34.9%, with an average annual decline of 13.3%. The minimum value was in 2018 at 56.9 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 57.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 38.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Egypt, China, and the Netherlands—collectively absorbed 67.7% of the total value of onions and shallots imported into Russia.

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

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