The borders to Senegal have not yet been opened or a significant volume of onions is already on the way. Some are waiting for the border to open, but that could possibly take another month. Last year, exports were tense, after which the Senegalese government imposed an import quota. The current oppressive situation is therefore experienced as negative.
Exporter Beemster farmer estimates that 20.000 tons of onions have now been shipped to Senegal. Beemster farmer wrote last year, another urgent letter about deliberately over-supplying the market. According to official export figures it concerns 2.950 tons. However, these are the first results up to and including week 30, while we are now living in week 34.
Domestic stock
A boat with an estimated 3.000 tons of Dutch onions is now waiting in the port of Dakar until the border opens, but presumably this will only happen on September 12. That is a favorable scenario, because the domestic harvest is better than previously assumed. The local government wants these onions to be consumed before importing starts.
The government in Senegal encourages local production, which is happening with increasing success. This is also reflected in the current onion stock. As long as there enough onions are available, the border remains closed. The onions already exported may therefore have to find another destination.
Quality deteriorates
The export volume largely comes from the Netherlands. "Some companies do not export from the demand side, but to keep their own business running," says Beemsterboer. "Demurrage must be paid for container and charter boats. The long mooring is not positive for onion quality. That does not benefit the reputation of Dutch quality onions. Such actions are also negative for our position as an export country."
Last season, Senegal claimed at the end of September (with retroactivity) a quota before September 1. Then 65.000 tons of onions were allowed to be imported. The border closed permanently at the end of January 2018. The quota was ultimately exceeded by more than 90.000 tons.
Rising prices
Tabaski, the Islamic Festival of Sacrifice, starts August 21 and lasts until August 25. During these days, many onions and potatoes are traditionally eaten. Due to the lack of imported products, local market prices have risen sharply, local media report. In recent days, 1 bale of onions rose rapidly in price; from 8.000 CFA francs to 10.000 CFA francs, an increase of €12 to €15. Local traders illegally import onions from Mauritania to meet demand.