A lot more onions exported to The Gambia

Just like in many others West African countries There has also been a significant increase in exports to Gambia. West Africa is a popular destination for Dutch exporters. There are even attempts to establish a greater foothold in the western part of the continent. This also applies to Gambia.

Up to and including week 11, 21.948 tons of onions went to Gambia this season, almost double the amount compared to 2 seasons ago. Last year, more than 11 tons of onions were exported to Gambia until week 13.432.

(Text continues below the chart)Exports to Gambia up to and including the 2016 harvest year.

Market closed
As with the other export destinations in West Africa, most onions are exported at the beginning of the season. This season, the most onions went to Gambia in week 46 (1.785 tons). Recently, week 8 was still a good week (1.533 tons), but for the time being this will have been the last good week. On March 27, the border was closed to the import of potatoes and onions, to protect the local harvest.

The government closes the border every spring. This ban will then last for a number of months and will extend into the new export season. The moment new onions are available in the Netherlands, Gambia is often served again. The Netherlands is by far the most important exporter.

Local cultivation
The Gambia mainly grows pink onions, which are comparable to the onions grown in... Mali are grown. Ultimately, the price will be the deciding factor for traders from Gambia. Due to technical developments, especially in the storage of onions, the country is increasingly able to supply good onions (for a good price).Gambia has 2 million inhabitants and is 3,5 times smaller than the Netherlands (11.295 km2)