Export of Dutch onions gets a small boost from the US

The United States has shown increased interest in Dutch onions in recent weeks. In week 18, the US ranked among the top 20 largest buyers of Dutch onions.Exports to the US are not accompanied by large volumes, but they are nevertheless noteworthy. Preliminary figures from KCB and GroentenFruit Huis show that 243 tonnes were exported to the US during the week spanning the end of April and beginning of May.Normally, either no onions or at most a few dozen tonnes are shipped to the US. A volume of more than 100 tonnes is therefore a welcome development. Sources other than KCB indicate that, in addition to shallots, somewhat larger volumes of onions have also been shipped there this month. Overall, this makes little difference to total exports, but in a difficult market even small volumes help to keep trade moving.Great Britain remains the main driver of exports for the time being. However, volumes destined for the British market have been considerably smaller since Easter than before. In week 18, Dutch exports to this destination amounted to approximately 2,330 tonnes.Meanwhile, Côte d’Ivoire continues to play a major role in the export of Dutch onions. With around 2,200 tonnes exported, shipments to this West African country have risen to almost 183,000 tonnes this season, a record volume. Only Senegal has imported more onions. Exports to that country reached 231,500 tonnes this season.Great Britain ranks third on the seasonal export list, with a total of 136,400 tonnes. This volume is 40% higher than exports during the same period last year. These three countries, each importing more than 100,000 tonnes, are making a major contribution to total onion exports, which had increased to 1.22 million tonnes by week 18. According to KCB and GroentenFruit Huis, exports are therefore running 91,000 tonnes (8%) ahead of last year. Last year, total exports ultimately remained just below 1.24 million tonnes. Expectations are that exports will comfortably exceed that level this year.