Market
Onion powder in Mexico (HS 071220 dried onions in powder form) is primarily an import-supplied seasoning ingredient for food manufacturing and foodservice. UN Comtrade data show Mexico as a net importer of HS 071220 in 2024, with the United States, India, and China among the main suppliers; domestic onion production across multiple states underpins any local dehydration/milling where available.
Market RoleNet importer and import-dependent processing/consumer market (HS 071220 dried onions, including powder)
Domestic RoleSeasoning ingredient used by food manufacturers and foodservice; retail packs exist but bulk industrial demand is significant
Market GrowthGrowing (2023–2024 trade data)HS 071220 imports increased from 2023 to 2024 in both value and quantity
SeasonalityYear-round availability is largely driven by storage and imports; upstream fresh-onion seasonality is partially decoupled by dehydration and inventory.
Risks
Sps Regulatory HighImport clearance can be blocked or severely delayed if onion powder/dried onion shipments do not meet SENASICA phytosanitary measures applicable to regulated plant-origin imports, which are published and updated through SENASICA’s online Phytosanitary Requirements Module (HS 071220 includes dried onions in powder form).Before contracting and again pre-shipment, validate product/origin requirements in SENASICA’s module and align certificates/treatments and document wording to the listed measures.
Trade Dependence MediumMexico is a net importer of HS 071220: imports in 2024 (about US$13.3M; 4.09M kg) substantially exceed exports reported for Mexico in global exporter tables (about US$1.0M). Disruption in key supplier origins (notably the United States, India, and China) can tighten supply and raise prices.Qualify multiple origins and keep safety stock for critical formulations; include substitution options (granulated/chopped within HS 0712) where formulations allow.
Labeling Compliance MediumIf onion powder is sold as a prepackaged consumer product in Mexico, non-compliance with NOM-051 labeling requirements (Spanish, mandatory information) can trigger detention, relabeling, or enforcement actions; bulk product is treated differently.Segment SKUs (bulk vs retail) and run a NOM-051 label compliance check for any consumer-facing prepackaged product before import and commercialization.
Logistics MediumMexico’s HS 071220 imports include both nearby (United States) and long-haul (e.g., India/China) supply; port congestion, ocean schedule variability, or cross-border trucking disruptions can extend lead times for manufacturers relying on just-in-time deliveries.Use dual-mode sourcing (land + sea) where feasible and set reorder points based on worst-case lead times for the longest-haul origin.
FAQ
Which HS code is commonly used for onion powder in Mexico trade data?HS 071220 covers dried onions that are whole, cut, sliced, broken, or in powder form and is commonly used as the trade classification reference for onion powder.
Where does Mexico source most HS 071220 (dried onion/onion powder) imports from?UN Comtrade data via WITS shows the United States, India, and China among Mexico’s largest HS 071220 suppliers in 2024, with total imports around US$13.3M (about 4.09M kg).
What labeling rule applies if onion powder is sold as a prepackaged consumer product in Mexico?NOM-051-SCFI/SSA1-2010 sets general labeling requirements for prepackaged foods and non-alcoholic beverages sold to consumers in Mexico (it does not apply to bulk products).