The high demand on the international onion market meant that Chinese onions were hard to come by. The country also posted significant export figures in the first quarter of 2019. Remarkable here is the share of Europe, in which the Netherlands is the leader.
After an extremely small harvest in 2018, the demand for Chinese yellow and red onions increased significantly. The traders switched early in the season, especially to meet the demand for large onions. Compared to Dutch prices, the Chinese onions were affordable.
Record export
China also exported a lot in the first 3 months of 2019. According to international trade data, 200.000 tons were exported, which is a record. Japan, Vietnam and Taiwan are traditionally the largest customers. Israel is in 4th place with a volume of 10.000 tons. That is special, because in the previous two years no Chinese onion entered the country.
Chinese exporters in the European Union mainly supply onions to the United Kingdom. Large red onions and frozen onion slivers and/or rings are particularly popular. This year there is more demand across the board. The Netherlands was the largest customer in the first quarter (5.600 tons), followed by the United Kingdom (4.800 tons). France is in third place (3 tons). Other destinations also demanded more; exports to Malaysia tripled.
Stable harvest
Onions from the new harvest have been harvested in the southern Chinese province of Yunnan since the end of March. The largest onion province will follow in April: Gansu. The harvest really starts in May and more product is available. Onion prices are at a high level and the area is stable to possibly slightly expanded. However, the harvest is estimated to be slightly lower, so that the total available volume remains stable.