Mauritania proved to be the largest buyer of Dutch onions in the week of January 19th to 25th. The West African country imported a total of 3.278 tons of onions from the Netherlands that week, according to preliminary figures from the KCB and the GroentenFruit Huis.
Two other West African countries have led the way this season in terms of Dutch onion sales volume: Senegal and Ivory Coast. They were by far the largest buyers, but sales to these countries have slowed down somewhat or are at a standstill.
Senegal has closed its border since mid-January to protect its own production, while Ivory Coast is buying much less than in previous weeks. In week 4, exports to Ivory Coast dropped to 1.712 tons. Total exports to this country this season already amount to around 152.000 tons. Senegal has been by far the largest buyer, with 232.000 tons. In week 4, 116 tons of Dutch onions arrived.
Mauritania largest buyer
Mauritania, though quite a distance from Senegal and Ivory Coast, buys a large quantity of onions from the Netherlands. Imports to this country, located north of Senegal, now total approximately 45.734 tons. This quantity is a third higher than exports during the same period last season.
Besides Mauritania, Guinea and the United Kingdom are among the top three largest buyers in the fourth calendar week of this year. Guinea imported 2.593 tons, and the United Kingdom 2.579 tons. Sales to Guinea are just picking up after a quiet period around Christmas and New Year's Eve. Exports to the United Kingdom, on the other hand, are somewhat quieter after a few weeks of increased exports.
Total Dutch onion exports have surpassed 950.000 tons after 30 weeks. This means nearly 32.000 tons were exported each week. Last year, the pace during the same period was just under 29.000 tons. This means exports are still about 10% ahead of the previous year.