Onions and shallots market in the Philippines

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for onions and shallots in the Philippines experienced fluctuations. It started at 277.7 thousand tons in 2018, dropped to 229.8 thousand tons in 2019, then recovered to 261.0 thousand tons in 2020. Domestic production showed a consistent upward trend over these years, rising from 172.7 thousand tons to 229.5 thousand tons.

In 2021, the Department of Agriculture launched the Philippine Onion Industry Roadmap 2021-2025 to guide long-term industry development. That year, market volume eased to 248.9 thousand tons. The following year, the market stabilized around 247.5 thousand tons, with temperature variations and seasonal festivals noted as factors influencing retail prices. By 2023, market volume expanded to 270.6 thousand tons, supported by measures to improve supply chain efficiency. Farmers were urged to use cold storage facilities to prolong shelf life and time market releases better, while the government implemented stronger monitoring of local and imported stocks to stabilize supply.

For 2024, the government imposed an importation ban on onions from January to May to prevent price depression due to an anticipated production surge. Before the ban, 5 775 tons of imported onions were cleared for distribution. Imports for the year reached 22.0 thousand tons.

Production onions and shallots in the Philippines

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

The Philippines saw its onions and shallots production volume rise for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 229.5 K t of onions and shallots, marking a modest 3.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 24.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 172.7 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 6.4%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 28.6%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from the Philippines

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 32-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the Philippines exported 0.4 K t of onions and shallots, representing a 58.1% decrease compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 0.0 K t, while the maximum was in 2019 at 1.1 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 95.8%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 3 141.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Singapore was the primary destination for exports in kind, accounting for 88.5% of total flows, with other markets making up a fragmented remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a 14.4-fold change between these years. In 2020, the Philippines exported 227 K $ US of onions and shallots, down by 60.6% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 51 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 93.1%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 1 030.3%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Singapore remained the dominant partner for exports in value terms of onions and shallots from the Philippines, holding an 89.7% share of total flows, with other markets forming a long tail.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to the Philippines

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a 12-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the Philippines imported 8.8 K t of onions and shallots, representing a 264.4% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 8.8 K t, while the maximum was in 2018 at 105.0 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 91.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, India, and the Netherlands were the main sources for imports in kind of onions and shallots to the Philippines. China accounted for 44.2% of imports, India for 27.9%, and the Netherlands for 27.7%, together making up 99.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 4.3 times. In 2020, the Philippines imported 17 665 K $ US of onions and shallots, reflecting a steep rise of 248.1% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 5 075 K $ US, while the maximum was in 2018 at 21 702 K $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 76.6%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 249.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and the Netherlands were the dominant suppliers of onions and shallots to the Philippines in value terms, together accounting for 81.9% of total imports, with other partners playing a less significant role.

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

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