W10: Weekly Onion Update
India
Government Agencies in India to Buy Red Onion as Prices Plunge on Surplus Output (Mar 7)
The Indian government directed two of its agencies to intervene and purchase red onion crops from the market after prices fell significantly over the last month, resulting in protests by farmers. Onion prices drop to USD 2.44/100kg (INR 200/100kg), prompting some farmers to dump the crop fields in the Western State of Maharashtra. Experts attribute this fall due to the increased production in other states, reducing the dependence on the supplies from Maharas
Indian Government Wants to Boost Onion Export (Mar 10)
To boost onion exports, the Indian government has announced sending delegations to several countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Germany, the United Kingdom, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Seychelles, and Mauritius. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority will work with the Indian missions to establish contacts with the trade authorities of the countries that could source onions from India.
Turkey
Turkish Onion Export Restriction to Be Lifted on April 14, 2023 (Mar 10)
The export of onions has been restricted in Turkey for an uncertain time period. Considering the supply, demand, and current stock situation, the restriction is expected to be effective until a new notification is received and will be lifted on April 14th with the announcement from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Brazil
Largest Onion Crop in Recent Years in Santa Catarina Should Result in Record Production Value (Mar 6)
The onion crop in Santa Catarina is in the commercialization phase. The 2022/23 crop reached 551K tons, the highest in the last six years. With the good prices received compared to the previous harvest. The productivity exceeded 31K kilograms per hectare, the best since 2012/13.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan to Supply Tajikistan With Wheat and Flour in Exchange for Onions (Mar 9)
Kazakhstan and Tajikistan intend to conclude a mutual agreement on the export of wheat and flour from the Republic of Kazakhstan and the supply of early vegetables, such as onions from the Republic of Tajikistan.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan Canceled the Previously Imposed Ban on the Export of Onions Outside the Republic (Mar 6)
In Kyrgyzstan, authorities have decided to cancel the earlier decision to ban the export of all types of onions, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture of the republic. This decision was made to support local producers and increase the export potential of the republic.
Taiwan
The two primary sources of onion are Pingtung and Yunlin in Taiwan. Pingtung was the largest supplier up to 2022 however, the volume of onions was reduced by more than 50% in 2023 due to bacillus anthracis and other issues, so most farmers decided to switch to other agriculture products. The volume has increased, and Yunlin is now the largest production region. The peak period for locally grown onions is from the end of February until the end of May. The weather for the 2023 growing season has been favorable for onion growth. The import season for large onions (8 cm+) is estimated to extend until the first or second half of May. The import of medium-sized onions (7-8cm) usually starts at the end of May and is estimated to push up to early June 2023.
Imported Onion Market Price for March 2023 in Taiwan (Mar 10)
Onions cultivated locally in Taiwan are in season; however, imported onions from New Zealand, the Netherlands, or Australia usually satisfy the market demand. The current market price for imported onion stood around USD 22.5/20kg (NTD 670/20kg), which is about USD 13-15/20kg when converted to CIF price. The New Zealand origin offer stood around USD 20-22/20kg for 8cm+ for Taiwan, the buyers are considering switching to alternative origins, such as South Korea.
Tajikistan
Onion Prices in Tajikistan Decrease by 20% (Mar 10)
In Tajikistan, onion prices decreased sharply. Pricing at USD 0.67-0.72/kg (EUR 0.63-0.68/kg), while prices reached USD 0.87/kg (EUR 0.82/kg) in W9. A price decrease of 20% in a week.
Ukraine
Record Prices for Onions May Rise by 30% In Ukraine (Mar 12)
The price of onions is increasing even though in February, imports increased by 2.5 times compared to January. In W10, onions cost from 52 to USD 1.58/kg (UAH 58/kg). The price of onions is forecasted to increase 30% more by the beginning of May.