Onion exports ease slightly, yet remain strong

Week 38 delivers a slightly less extreme result in Dutch onion exports than the previous week. It has been a somewhat quieter week, but there is no question of a dip. In the third week of September (week 38), a total of 36,535 tons have been exported, according to figures from the KCB and the GroentenFruit Huis. That is quickly 4,000 tons more than the long-term average for that week. Compared to 2024, the lead is further expanded by almost 6,500 tons. The lead compared to 2024 is very significant after twelve weeks. So far this season, 330,000 tons of onions have crossed the border. That is nearly 75,000 tons, or 29% more than in the same weeks of last year. That difference is likely even slightly larger, as these figures are still provisional for this year. Each week, additional entries are being added. Exports to Senegal were limited to 6,653 tons in week 38. This is because the market, after the large quantities that went there, has become somewhat oversaturated. Therefore, exporters here and importers there need to apply the brakes. While the Senegalese do eat an incredible amount of onions, the Netherlands and a few competitors following suit are also capable of supplying a lot. So much so that the logistics cannot always keep up. However, people eat so many onions that a temporary surplus in the ports is usually consumed quickly. Estimates suggest that more than 1,000 tons of onions are consumed daily in Senegal. Additionally, Senegal is considered a transit country to neighboring countries in the hinterland, such as Mali. For the latter destination, about 1,844 tons were directly transported in week 38. Exports to Ivory Coast in week 38 do not lag much behind Senegal with 5,652 tons. Great Britain has significantly increased its market share with just over 3,600 tons. This is the largest quantity sent to that destination this season. Total exports to the British rise to over 32,500 tons, making it 16% larger than last year. Compared to week 37, the export in week 38 counts one less country that has taken more than 1,000 tons. There was slightly less export to Mauritania and Belgium, but Honduras brought in more than 1,000 tons in one week for the first time this season.