Onions and shallots market in Uzbekistan

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh onions and shallots in Uzbekistan stood at 1 364 thousand tonnes in 2018, then contracted sharply to 979 thousand tonnes in 2019 due to a combination of lower production and higher exports. A partial recovery followed in 2020, with volume rising to 1 046 thousand tonnes, supported by a collapse in onion exports as supply chains and sales channels were restructured, including increased direct shipments to Russia.

Market volume continued to expand in 2021, reaching 1 153 thousand tonnes, largely because export activity remained subdued. However, in 2022 volume retreated to 1 036 thousand tonnes as exports rebounded. By 2023, the market stabilized around 1 051 thousand tonnes. That year, domestic oversupply pushed production higher, while export bans in several competing countries allowed Uzbekistan to boost its overseas sales and become a leading global exporter.

In 2024, the removal of export restrictions further strengthened Uzbekistan's export position, with onion shipments growing notably. At the same time, ample storage stocks and an early harvest put downward pressure on domestic prices. New cabinet decree No. 507 introduced changes to product requirements, potentially affecting quality standards and labeling for the sector.

Production onions and shallots in Uzbekistan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Uzbekistan ranked 21st globally in onion and shallot production volume.

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Uzbekistan produced 1 256 K t of onions and shallots, a 1.1% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 26.2%, with an 8.1% compound annual growth rate. The highest production was recorded in 2018 at 1 464 K t, marking a 47.2% increase. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 15.2% drop.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Uzbekistan

Exports in kind, K t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 9.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Uzbekistan exported 210.5 K t of onions and shallots, a substantial 19.9% decrease from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 262.7 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 268.4% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Kazakhstan, Russia, and Pakistan—accounted for 58.4% of Uzbekistan's total onion and shallot exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export values were lowest in 2017 and highest in 2019, with a 12.8-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Uzbekistan's onion and shallot exports amounted to 34 401 K US dollars, reflecting a sharp 50.0% decline from the prior year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 68 735 K US dollars, with the largest increase of 404.4% also occurring in that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan (35.4% of exports in value terms), Ukraine (15.0%), and Russia (8.7%) led as the top buyers of onions and shallots from Uzbekistan, jointly accounting for 59.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Uzbekistan

Imports in kind, K t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import volumes were at their minimum in 2018 and maximum in 2017, with a 19-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Uzbekistan imported {value_last_year} K t of onions and shallots, indicating a dramatic 333.0% gain compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 94.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan and Iraq played the leading roles in import volume, with a combined share of 80.9% of total flows, while the remaining share was dispersed among other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Import values reached their trough in 2018 and peaked in 2020, showing a 5.4-fold swing. In 2020, Uzbekistan's onion and shallot import volume totaled 48 K US dollars, reflecting a steep 66.8% increase relative to the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 9 K US dollars, with the largest decline of 62.1% and the largest increase of 222.8% occurring in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Kazakhstan, Iraq, and Belarus—together absorbed 79.3% of Uzbekistan's total onion and shallot imports in value terms.

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

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