Dutch onion exports remain high. Senegal is trading more calmly after earlier peaks, while Great Britain is actually buying more. Read more about export flows, volumes, and shifts in the global market.
In the third week of September (week 38), a total of 36.535 tons were exported, according to figures from the KCB and the GroentenFruit Huis (Fruit and Vegetable House). This is already 4.000 tons more than the long-term average for that week. Compared to 2024, the lead is expected to increase by almost 6.500 tons.
After twelve weeks, the lead compared to 2024 is considerable. So far this season, 330.000 tons of onions have already been shipped across the border. That's almost 75.000 tons, or 29% more than in the same weeks last year. That difference is likely even larger, as these are still preliminary figures for this year. Additional items are added each week.
Sales to Senegal were limited to 6.653 tons in week 38. This is because the market, after the large quantities shipped there, has become somewhat oversupplied. Therefore, exporters here and importers there are having to put on the handbrake.
While Senegalese people do eat an incredible amount of onions, the Netherlands, and a few other competitors in its wake, are also able to supply a significant amount. So much so that logistics sometimes can't handle it. However, people eat so many onions that any temporary surplus in the ports is usually quickly consumed.
Estimates suggest that more than 1.000 tons of onions are consumed daily in Senegal. Senegal also serves as a transit country to neighboring countries in the hinterland, such as Mali. Approximately 1.844 tons were transported directly to Mali in week 38.
Exports to Ivory Coast in week 38 were not far behind Senegal, at 5.652 tons. Great Britain, for its part, is a strong market with just over 3.600 tons. This is the largest quantity shipped to that destination this season. Total sales to the UK rose to over 32.500 tons, 16% higher than last year.
Compared to week 37, exports in week 38 included one fewer country that purchased more than 1.000 tons. Exports to Mauritania and Belgium were slightly lower, but Honduras imported more than 1.000 tons in a single week for the first time this season.