Onions and shallots market in Serbia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh onions and shallots in Serbia expanded steadily from 2018 to 2021, with volume growing from 21 365 t to a peak of 32 560 t. This rise was driven by increasing domestic production, which reached 37 295 t in 2021, while import levels varied year to year.

A dramatic shift occurred in 2022 as the market volume nearly halved to 16 904 t. This contraction coincided with a surge in exports to 25 795 t and a drop in imports. A partial recovery followed in 2023, with volume rising to 18 093 t as exports eased and imports increased.

In 2024, regulatory changes were enacted, including simplified procedures for foreign residency and work permits starting February 1, revisions to hazardous material transport classifications (ADR), and streamlined building legalization processes, all relevant to the agricultural sector's labor and logistics.

Production onions and shallots in Serbia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

Serbia's production of onions and shallots has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Serbia produced 33 011 tonnes of onions and shallots, marking an 11.6% increase compared to 2019. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 27 967 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 15.5%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Serbia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Serbia's exports of onions and shallots declined in 2020. Exports reached 16 638 tonnes, showing a sharp drop of 25.1% compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 22 204 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 20.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Albania, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia were the key export partners for Serbia's onions and shallots in terms of volume. Albania accounted for 22.3% of exports, Bulgaria for 17.4%, and North Macedonia for 14.9%. Together, these three countries represented 54.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their peak in 2019 and their lowest point in 2017, with a 2.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Serbia's export value of onions and shallots stood at 3 627 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp decline of 45.6% from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 667 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 74.0% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia were the main destinations for Serbia's onions and shallots exports in value terms. Albania accounted for 25.0% of exports, Montenegro for 17.7%, and North Macedonia for 16.3%. Together, these three countries made up 59.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Serbia

Imports in kind, t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 4.4-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2017. In 2020, Serbia's imports of onions and shallots amounted to 12 001 tonnes, down by 40.3% compared to the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 20 107 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 201.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Russia, and North Macedonia were the primary sources for Serbia's imports of onions and shallots in terms of volume. Together, these three markets accounted for 81.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Import values reached their maximum in 2019 and dropped to a minimum in 2017, showing a 5-fold shift. In 2020, Serbia's import value of onions and shallots reached 6 340 thousand US dollars, down by 27.1% year-over-year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 8 703 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 169.3% rise.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Russia, and North Macedonia formed the core group of markets for Serbia's imports of onions and shallots in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 58.5% of imports, Russia for 17.3%, and North Macedonia for 6.2%. Together, these three countries represented 82.0% of total import flows.

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

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