In onion exports to Africa, the focus is often on Senegal. However, there are more countries in Africa that tend to be at the top of the export lists. How do these destinations compare to last season?
It is currently one-way traffic on the export market for Dutch onions. It is mainly the West African destinations that demand Dutch onions. The story of Senegal is well known, now that the market is open, many onions are being put on the quays, which means that Senegalese importers have (too) ample access to Dutch onions. However, there are several destinations from Africa that usually appear at the top of the export lists.
Increasing sales
In order of purchase, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Gambia and Congo are generally good buyers of Dutch onions during the first half of the season. The most recent export figures are from week 33 (the export figures are three weeks behind). When these figures are compared with last season, only Guinea is purchasing fewer onions this season. The seasonal total of these 6 African destinations in week 33 was 37.180 tonnes, which is 9.161 tonnes more than last season.
Although the demand from Africa provides the packers with the necessary work, things are very quiet on the farm. Many purchased onions are delivered at short notice, so there is currently sufficient position with the processors. The market is currently still searching, which means processors are taking a wait-and-see attitude.
Bale prices for onion sets under pressure
Many export destinations are switching to sowing onions. Because processors still have positions in onion sets, bale prices for onion sets are under pressure. The bale prices for onion onions are a few euros below the bale prices of seed onions and the bale prices of seed onions remain fairly stable. An overview of the bale prices of the seed onions can be found in the DCA listing Bale price Onions.
The three regional stock exchanges are only trading for sowing onions this week. The odds show a negative difference compared to last week. The listing in Emmeloord in particular stood out. For the 30-60% coarse sorting in Emmeloord the result is €9 to €11 and for the 60% upward sorting €9 to €12.