Onions and shallots market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. market for fresh or chilled onions and shallots experienced variable volumes from 2018 to 2023, beginning at 3.5 million tonnes. After a dip to 3.3 million tonnes in 2019, the market recovered strongly in 2020 and continued to grow, reaching 3.6 million tonnes in 2021. A slight contraction followed in 2022, but volumes rebounded to 3.6 million tonnes by 2023.

Over the entire period, the market achieved a net growth of about 4%, reflecting stable underlying demand. Production trends mirrored this pattern, with lower output in 2019 and 2022 balanced by higher production in other years, supporting the overall market expansion.

Production onions and shallots in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, the United States ranked as the third-largest producer of onions and shallots from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

Following a two-year decline, onion and shallot production in the United States rebounded. In 2020, the country produced 3 354 K t of onions and shallots, marking a 5.8% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 10.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 3 170 K t, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 12.1% decrease.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Onion and shallot production in the United States grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 2 294 M $ US, reflecting a modest 1.2% year-over-year gain. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 8.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.8%. The lowest value was observed in 2018 at 2 115 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 15.4%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports onions and shallots from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, the volume of onion and shallot exports from the United States declined. In 2020, the country exported 365.4 K t, indicating a moderate 9.2% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 11.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 3.7%. The peak was reached in 2019 with 402.4 K t, which also recorded the largest increase of 11.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure in volume terms was dominated by Canada and Mexico, which together accounted for 82.0% of total flows, while other markets contributed smaller shares.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year upward trend, the value of onion and shallot exports from the United States fell. In 2020, exports amounted to 249.9 M $ US, representing a 13.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 13.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 287.7 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 24.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada and Mexico were the primary destinations for U.S. onion and shallot exports in value terms, with other markets playing a less significant role individually.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, the United States imported 561.3 K t of onions and shallots, showing a controlled 3.3% rise from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 2.1%, with a CAGR of 0.7%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 543.4 K t, while the highest was in 2018 at 568.1 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 4.4% drop, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 3.3% gain.

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

During 2017-2020, Mexico and Peru led the import markets in volume terms, together making up 85.1% of total flows, with other partners contributing supplementary amounts.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of onion and shallot imports into the United States increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 471.3 M $ US, reflecting a slight 2.7% uptick from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 8.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico accounted for the majority of import value, capturing 70.8% of total flows, while other markets formed a fragmented tail.

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

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