India
Onion Prices Will Remain Depressed Till Mid-March (Feb 2)
In India, experts forecast onion prices will remain pressured until the arrival of winter crops to the market in mid-March. Glut supply in the markets has led to farmers halting trading markets in Maharashtra. Independent farm sector analysts reported the current state has led to panic selling as the shelf life of the late autumn harvest is too small, and have called for government intervention.
The Price of Onion Fell to a Minimum of USD 0.2/kg in India (Mar 1)
India reported strikes by onion producers amid the drop of wholesale prices to almost USD 0.2/kg. The average onion price at an auction in Lasalgaon, Maharashtra, decreased by a quarter WoW to USD 0.6/kg, with a minimum range reached at USD 0.2/kg, while the maximum quality was only USD 0.10/kg.
No Export Ban for Indian Onions (Mar 3)
The Ministry of Trade and Industry of India reported there is no restriction or ban on the export of onions, and the trade policy falls under the free category. From April to December 2022, USD 523.8M worth of Indian onions were exported, an increase of 16,3% YoY.
Belarus
Belarus Bans the Export of Onions (Feb 28)
Belarus introduced on February 15 a restriction on onion exports which will last until April 30, 2023. The government reported favorable conditions in the foreign market, and foreign exchange earnings will be accepted if there is a gap in the domestic market.
Italy
Golden Onion, Drought Leaves Italy and Europe Dry (Mar 1)
In Italy, due to the lack of water resources and high temperatures the period for golden onions is critical. Production decreased significantly, gradually leading to a price increase in January, when Austria and France limited their exports. Sector operators predict a 20% decrease in areas invested for winter onions.
Georgia
Onions in Georgia Are No Longer So Expensive, What Happened? (Feb 27)
Onion wholesale prices began to decline, followed by a peak price. At the end of January, wholesale prices in the Georgian market increased from USD 0.6/kg to USD 2.3/kg WoW, stimulating imports. As a result, Georgia imported 3.4K tons of onions in January, mainly from Russia and Azerbaijan. The Ministry of Finance of Georgia reported the average import in January was USD 0.38/kg, while the wholesale price on the spot at the end of the month was USD 0.9/kg.
Philippines
Direct Onion Sales to Stabilize Prices (Mar 3)
The Department of Agriculture of the Philippines announced that it would establish a direct transportation link between onion growers and buyers. To improve logistics in the agricultural value chain to stabilize onion prices in retail markets and help growers increase their income.
Tajikistan
Either Frost or Heat, Onions in Tajikistan Fell Sharply in Price but Exports Are Closed (Mar 1)
In Tajikistan, onion prices dropped sharply. Bulk onions prices at USD 68-70/kg, a decrease of 20%. At the end of W8, onion prices were among the highest in the region.
Ukraine
The Wholesale Price for Onions in Ukraine Is USD 1/kg in W9 (Feb 27)
In Ukraine, the wholesale price of onions reached USD 1/kg in the last week of February 2023. In W10, the price stood at a record of USD 1.4/kg.
