Onions and shallots market in Western Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the production of fresh or chilled onions and shallots in Western Asia demonstrated steady growth, rising from 3 168 thousand tons to 4 184 thousand tons. This increase supported an overall expansion of the market volume, which grew from 4 330 thousand tons to 5 163 thousand tons over the same period. The most notable production surge occurred between 2018 and 2020, followed by a stabilization phase with a slight dip in 2022 before reaching a new peak in 2023.

In 2023, India's decision to impose a 40% duty on onion exports introduced potential constraints on international supplies to the region. However, substantial existing stockpiles and the availability of alternative sourcing markets mitigated significant disruptions to local availability. The following year, India's policy adjustment—reducing the export levy to 20% and removing the minimum export price—alongside the lifting of fresh onion export bans in major supplying countries like Egypt and Morocco, contributed to a recalibration of trade dynamics, fostering more stable import flows into Western Asia.

Production onions and shallots in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of onions and shallots, 2017-2020

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

Western Asia's onion and shallot production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2019, the region produced 3 168 thousand tonnes, which increased to 3 892 thousand tonnes in 2020—a rise of 10.7%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production expanded by 15.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3 168 thousand tonnes, marking a 6.0% decline from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with an 11.0% jump.

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

Exports onions and shallots from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. In 2018, onion and shallot exports from Western Asia hit their lowest point at 81 thousand tonnes, representing a 63.1% drop. The following year saw a dramatic recovery, with exports surging by 147.6%. By 2020, shipments abroad reached 330 thousand tonnes, a 63.7% increase from 2019 and the highest level in the period. The peak-to-trough ratio between 2018 and 2020 was 4.1 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Bangladesh, and India were the top buyers of onions and shallots from Western Asia, accounting for 10.8%, 5.2%, and 4.3% of exports in volume, respectively. However, their combined share was just 20.3% of total exports, indicating a highly diversified market structure with many other destinations.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Export values showed notable fluctuations over the observed period. In 2018, Western Asia's onion and shallot exports in monetary terms were at their lowest, totaling 48.0 million US dollars—a 38.5% decrease. The following year, exports rebounded sharply with an 87.5% increase. By 2020, exports reached 131.1 million US dollars, up 45.5% from 2019 and marking the peak. The difference between the 2018 trough and 2020 peak was 2.7 times.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Western Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, onions and shallots from Western Asia were exported to a wide range of markets. Even the largest destinations—Russia, India, and Bangladesh—collectively represented only 29.0% of total export value, underscoring the market's diversity.

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

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

Imports onions and shallots to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Western Asia's onion and shallot imports have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 487.6 thousand tonnes, a modest 1.9% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 22%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Iran, and Egypt were the key suppliers for Western Asia's onion and shallot imports in volume. India accounted for 33.3% of imports, Iran for 21.0%, and Egypt for 17.1%. Together, these three countries made up 71.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Western Asia imported onions and shallots worth 487.6 million US dollars, a moderate 6.3% increase from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value rose by 16.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 2.2% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018, with an 11.9% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Western Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, India, Egypt, and Iran were the main suppliers of onions and shallots to Western Asia in value terms. India contributed 29.8% of import value, Egypt 22.4%, and Iran 17.9%. Combined, these three partners accounted for 70.1% of total imports.

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

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