Last week, onion exports fell below 10.000 tons. In the latest export figures, exports have taken a big step back. One destination, however, remains head and shoulders above it.
In week 23, 7.418 tons of onions from the Netherlands crossed the border, according to the latest figures from KCB/GroentenFruit Huis. That is more than 2.000 tons less compared to week 22. In total, more than 1,1 million tons of onions have been exported so far this season.
By far the largest buyer of Dutch onions is on the other side of the North Sea. That is Great Britain, good for 2.299 tons. Germany follows at a great distance with 880 tons and Belgium is at number 3 with 500 tons. Senegal is back in the export statistics for the first time in weeks and imported 290 tons. That country has been the largest buyer of Dutch onions in recent seasons, but by far the largest part of the export takes place in the first half of the Dutch export season. The borders will then be closed to protect our own onion growers against imports from outside. Some exporters see the fact that Senegal's borders are already (gradually) opening as a signal that the Senegalese market is tight, while others think that it is mainly used by some players to create mood on the Dutch market.