1. Weekly News

Bangladesh

Manikganj Farmers Expect Bumper Onion Harvest as Cultivation Exceeds Target

Onion farmers in Manikganj district anticipate a bumper harvest this 2025, exceeding the initial cultivation target. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) set a goal of cultivating onions on 7,035 hectares (ha) with an expected yield of 117,062 metric tons (mt). However, farmers planted onions on 7,564 ha, surpassing the target by 529 ha. Harirampur, Ghior, and Shibalaya upazilas recorded the highest onion cultivation. Favorable weather conditions have supported onion growth. The Deputy Director of the DAE emphasized that the soil in Harirampur, Shibalaya, and Ghior is particularly well-suited for onion cultivation. Onions from these areas supply various markets nationwide, including Dhaka, throughout the year.

India

Onion Prices Plummeted in Navi Mumbai Wholesale Market but Retail Rates Stay High

Onion prices in Navi Mumbai's wholesale market dropped sharply on Friday, ranging between USD 0.10 and 0.19 per kilogram (kg). This decline, driven by increased supply, has relieved household budgets, especially for middle-class families. Onion prices in the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market in Turbhe reached USD 0.41 to 0.47/kg in Feb-25 but declined to USD 0.14 to 0.30/kg in early Mar-25 before declining further. Despite this drop in wholesale prices, retail prices remain high, with onions still selling for USD 0.41 to 0.47/kg in Mumbai due to retailers holding onto old stock.

Philippines

Imported Red Onions Sell Out Rapidly Amid Strong Demand

The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that traders have already sold the 2,300 mt of imported red onions that arrived in the Philippines last month. These onions were part of the 4 thousand mt import allocation that the Agriculture Secretary approved to curb soaring prices, which had reached USD 3.49/kg in Feb-25. Importers delivered 986 mt of the authorized 1 thousand mt of white onions, while only 2,300 mt of the expected 3 thousand mt of red onions arrived. Retailers have nearly sold out the red onions within days, leaving only imported white onions available in the market, underscoring the strong demand.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Onion Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Onion Pricing Important Exporters (W11 2024 to W11 2025)

India

In W11, Indian onion prices declined by 26.09% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 0.17/kg from USD 0.23/kg. This is due to increased market arrivals following the peak rabi harvest season, significantly boosting supply. Key onion-producing states such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat reported higher yields, leading to greater availability in wholesale markets. Moreover, reduced export demand, particularly from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, pressured downward prices. The Indian government's recent relaxation of export restrictions has also contributed to higher supply in domestic markets, further driving prices down.

Netherlands

In W11, onion prices in the Netherlands increased by 5.88% WoW and 28.57% month-on-month (MoM) to USD 0.18/kg. Organic onion prices remain high, while red onion shortages persist due to poor yields from excessive rainfall. Despite the current price stability, rising supply and weak export demand could limit any significant price recovery in the short term. However, localized price spikes may emerge for red onions due to supply constraints, while organic onion prices will stay stable amid sustained demand.

Mexico

In W11, an oversupply driven by improved weather conditions in key producing regions like Zacatecas and Guanajuato caused Mexico's onion prices to drop to USD 0.34/kg from USD 0.35/kg in W10. This marked a 2.86% WoW and 27.66% MoM decline. Favorable conditions boosted onion yields by an estimated 6 to 8% compared to the previous season, increasing overall production and stock levels. Moreover, a 4% decline in export orders to key markets in Feb-25 further contributed to the surplus, intensifying downward pressure on domestic prices.

Egypt

In W11, Egypt’s onion prices dropped to USD 0.13/kg as strong local supply, driven by favorable weather in key regions like the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt, pressured the market. Prices declined by 23.53% WoW and 31.58% MoM. A global shortage in the 2024 season prompted farmers to expand acreage, further increasing supply. While the 2025 harvest is expected to match the 3 mmt produced in 2024, steady local demand at 1.2 mmt will keep supply levels high. Although export demand from Europe and Africa will rise, short-term price fluctuations should remain minimal. Stable yellow onion yields will sustain supply levels and support overall price stability.

Spain

In W11, Spain's onion prices increased 3.03% WoW and 21.43% MoM to USD 0.34/kg due to tightening domestic supply and strong export demand. Prolonged drought and extreme heat affected the 2024 harvest, which reduced onion yields and storage stocks, limiting market availability in early 2025. Furthermore, increased demand from key European buyers, particularly France and Germany, has put upward pressure on prices as these countries look to Spain to offset lower domestic production. Rising production costs, including higher irrigation expenses and elevated transportation costs, have further contributed to the price increase.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Enhance Onion Stock Management in Bangladesh

Establishing storage and buffer stock facilities in Manikganj is crucial to managing the expected bumper harvest and preventing post-harvest losses. Proper cold storage infrastructure will help stabilize supply, ensuring that onions can be released gradually into the market instead of causing a sudden oversupply that leads to price crashes. Additionally, the government and private sector should invest in modern storage technologies to reduce spoilage and extend the marketability of onions beyond the peak season.

Diversify Sourcing Strategy for the Philippines

Strengthening direct sourcing agreements with Egypt and India will help the Philippines secure a steady supply of onions at lower prices. Given Egypt’s strong production and India’s recent price decline, importers should negotiate long-term contracts that ensure price stability. Moreover, diversifying sources reduces the risk of market shocks caused by supply disruptions from a single country.

Optimize Onion Export Competitiveness in India and Egypt

Indian exporters should capitalize on relaxed export restrictions by targeting key markets such as Bangladesh and the Middle East. With Indian onion prices declining due to higher yields and reduced export demand, this is an opportunity to reestablish trade relationships and capture market share. Strategic pricing and improved export logistics can help Indian suppliers remain competitive.

Sources: Tridge, BossNews, Etvbharat, Free Press Journal, PhilStar