As expected, today (Thurs 20 August) the liberating message came from Senegal: the borders will open immediately for onions. However, the financial resources as a result of the corona crisis are limiting the import quota.
Senegal immediately opens its borders to onions, after they were closed in February for the purpose of selling their own crops. This has been the pattern for years in the Netherlands' most important sales country for onions. Last year, Senegal accounted for a purchase of 170.000 tons. The question is whether so many Dutch onions can be shipped to the African country this season. An import volume of 125.000 tons has been stated in advance, compared to 135.000 tons last year.
Nevertheless, Senegal's green light is good news for exporters who already have onions floating in ships off the coast waiting for the border to open. Every year it seems like a sport to see who can be the first exporter to put onions on the quay in Dakar (photo).
Before there was a stir on the Dutch market, we had to wait for more sales opportunities. So far this has been somewhat disappointing, although the export figures do not give cause for gloomy. These are in line with the past (record) season.