India
Lasalgaon Fresh Produce Wholesale Market in India: Stable Supply Caused Onion Prices to Fall (Nov 25)
Onion prices tend to rise during November in India. However, in 2022, the constant supply has caused prices to collapse. Wholesale prices fell to their lowest level in a year in November at the fresh produce wholesale market of Lasalgaon, Asia's largest onion trading hub. The prices of many foodstuffs, where seasonality plays a major role, are often volatile. Onion is one of them. Traders report the government routinely releases onions from its buffer stock to maintain retail prices stable. In Lasalgaon, the average quality onion is sold at a wholesale price of USD 0.12-0.18/kg, while cultivation costs are USD 0.27-0.31/kg, according to the President of the Maharashtra State Onion Growers' Association. On the other hand, in the Philippines, onion demand increased, and the prices of imported red onions reached around USD 5.35/kg in Zamboanga City.
Bangladesh
Onion Production in Kushtia District Exceeds Targets (Nov 25)
Farmers in the Kushtia district of Bangladesh are busy with the winter onion harvest. Larger profits than in the previous season are expected. In 2022, the price of onion seed was low, while the retail price of onions was high. According to information from the District Agricultural Extension Department, the target for winter and mulkata onion cultivation was set at 13,735 hectares of land in the current winter season. This is about 300 hectares more than last year.
Australia
Increased Demand for Australian Onion Due to Global Shortage in the Pre-season (Nov 23)
Demand for Australian onions pre-season has dramatically increased due to the current global shortage of onions caused by the European Union. With current programs, many growers are already over-committed. Queensland has also had a light crop due to lower plantings and increased fertilizer costs, so the domestic market is short as well. And finally, there has been a lot of rain in Tasmania and South Australia, which is beneficial right now. The probability of it continuing through harvest season is a high risk. This season, prices will start higher. This season, it will be challenging to get the volume needed for retail, and wholesale will be low. Prices range from USD 1.01-1.22/kg (AUD 1.50-1.80/kg) FOB in W47.
New Zealand
Major Shortage of Onions in New Zealand (Nov 25)
Reports from Statistics New Zealand from W46 showed the price of yellow onions is about USD 0.74/kg higher than last year in November, while red onions are more expensive. A producer mentioned rainy weather played a major role in New Zealand's onion shortage, affecting the quality of the onions.
Onions Are Missing From the Shelves in New Zealand Due to a Difficult Growing Season (Nov 25)
Around 90% of onions grown in New Zealand are exported. However, a difficult growing season has led to a shortage of onions on supermarket shelves and in the catering industry, and various red onion shortages have been reported nationwide.
Philippines
Prices of Imported Red Onions Reach More Than USD 5.35/kg (Nov 25)
As demand has increased, the prices of imported red onions in the Philippines have skyrocketed, reaching as high as USD 5.35/kg in Zamboanga City. This was a marked increase from the price of USD 4.63/kg in the city's public markets last month. According to a seller, the price of red onions could rise to USD 5.70-6.06/kg per week.
South Africa
Onion Prices in South Africa Soars to a Two Year High (Nov 24)
South African onion prices continue to increase in 2022. Prices are almost triple the prices recorded in 2021 due to lower production quality and reduced production areas. Drought-like conditions throughout 2021 had taken their toll on the planted area, significantly lowering production volumes in 2022. The government is predicting that there will be a shortage of onions in the South African markets and the prices will remain strong up until Christmas.
