Onions and shallots market in Uruguay

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh or chilled onions and shallots in Uruguay expanded from 31 487 t in 2018 to 35 746 t in 2020. This growth was supported in 2019 by a significant surge in demand and exports for Uruguayan onions, which stimulated production and trade, lifting the market volume to 32 142 t. The following year, the market volume increased further to 35 746 t.

After a decline to 31 694 t in 2021, the market recovered to 34 754 t in 2022 and reached 35 881 t in 2023. The rebound coincided with global pressures, including reduced onion cultivation area and higher production costs worldwide, which constrained supply and contributed to increased imports into Uruguay. In 2023, export bans in major producing countries such as India and Egypt created regional shortages, further influencing supply dynamics and supporting market volume growth.

In 2024, the market experienced a sharp 157% price increase for red onions early in the year, followed by stabilization in wholesale markets amid uncertainty from irregular shipments in border zones. The broader fruit and vegetable market in Uruguay, which includes onions, is estimated at USD 17.06 billion, underscoring the sector's scale.

Production onions and shallots in Uruguay

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

Uruguay's production of onions and shallots has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 32 049 tonnes, marking a 0.7% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 5.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.8%.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Uruguay

Exports in kind, t

The market for onion and shallot exports from Uruguay showed significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2019, with a 44-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, exports dropped sharply to just 7 tonnes, representing a dramatic 96.7% decline compared to 2019. The peak export volume of 200 tonnes occurred in 2019, which also saw the largest year-on-year increase of 1 465.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil and the United Kingdom were the primary destinations for Uruguay's onion and shallot exports, together accounting for 100.0% of the total export volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export value of onions and shallots from Uruguay displayed considerable volatility. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2019, with a 15-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the export value fell steeply to 11 000 US dollars, an 89.6% decrease from 2019. The peak value of 111 000 US dollars was achieved in 2019, which also experienced the largest year-on-year increase of 519.5%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Brazil and the United Kingdom dominated Uruguay's onion and shallot exports in value terms, together representing 100.0% of the total export value.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Uruguay

Imports in kind, t

Uruguay's imports of onions and shallots were marked by irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. The lowest import volume was in 2018, while the highest was in 2020, with a 30-fold gap between these years. In 2020, imports surged to 3 703 tonnes, a substantial 615.4% increase from the previous year. The minimum volume of 122 tonnes was recorded in 2018, which also saw the largest decline of 38.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile were the leading suppliers of onions and shallots to Uruguay. Brazil accounted for 42.4% of imports in kind, Argentina for 32.8%, and Chile for 12.9%, with these three countries together making up 88.1% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import value of onions and shallots into Uruguay exhibited high volatility during these years. The lowest value was in 2018, while the highest was in 2020, with a 28-fold difference. In 2020, the import value rose sharply to 1 523 000 US dollars, a 446.1% increase over the previous year. The minimum value of 54 000 US dollars was recorded in 2018, which also experienced the largest decline of 61.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile were the key suppliers in value terms for Uruguay's onion and shallot imports. Brazil contributed 41.7% of the import value, Argentina 28.2%, and Chile 15.3%, with these three countries collectively accounting for 85.3% of total imports.

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

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