Dutch onion exports achieved a healthy output of almost 23.000 tons in week 3. The following two weeks were much more difficult, with weekly volumes of around 16.000 to 19.000 tons.
After Senegal dropped out, exporters are searching for other destinations that can accept large quantities. This isn't easy. For now, the British and Ivorian onions are leading the way. The British were the largest buyers in week 3, importing 3.658 tons of onions from the Netherlands. Ivory Coast followed with an import of 3.369 tons from the Netherlands.
In week 4, sales to Great Britain appear to be slightly lower. The reason cited is that the British first had to clear stocks from the first three weeks. This appears to be happening soon, as in week 5, exports are already trending back towards the level of week 3.
Based on initial indications, Ivory Coast appears to be showing a similar trend to Great Britain, with the exception that the volume last week may have been slightly higher than in week 3.
All in all, exports to Great Britain and Ivory Coast continue to look very good. The British have already purchased almost 90.000 tons of onions from the Netherlands this season. This amounts to an average of 3.000 tons per week, which is very good. Ivory Coast has now exceeded its imports of 150.000 tons, or over 5.000 tons per week. This means the country is well on its way to buying a record quantity this year, just as Senegal has already done in spades.
Other countries currently ordering large quantities from the Netherlands are Malaysia, Guinea, and Gambia. Buying interest from Mauritania appears to be waning. In week 3, 2.500 tons of onions were shipped there.