It's quiet in the onion market. Few onions are sold at both exporters and farmers. It is mainly a matter of waiting for an increasing export demand.
The latest published export figure (week 8) is around 2 tonnes, just like the 14.000 weeks before. The export figures are always a few weeks behind. Exporters indicate that the past few weeks (which have not yet been published) were certainly not busier than weeks 4 to week 6.
Normally, European demand increases from March
Exporters mainly look at European destinations. Normally, demand from Europe increases from March onwards because local stocks in European countries start to run out. Apart from some information, it remains quiet from these destinations at the moment. Perhaps the Ramadan, which will be held in less than a month, will result in deliveries from African destinations. However, exporters indicate that this effect has been limited in recent years because there is also sufficient product available in Africa.
Processors have enough onions
With this export rate and the stock purchased approximately a month ago, processors have sufficient onions to process. Therefore, no additional purchases are necessary. However, some onion lots have to be sold due to quality risks. This puts onion prices under pressure.
When we compare the 3 regional stock exchange quotations, an average of €14 to €17 is paid. An overview of the bale prices can be found in the DCA listing Bale price Onions.