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According to the Chairman of Egyptian Emirati Import & Export, a leading agricultural company (trade drive between Egypt and the UAE) streamlined logistics and quality products to boost regional economic growth, Egypt's onion exports have experienced strong demand in the 2025 season, particularly for red and yellow onions. Despite logistical challenges and price fluctuations, the market remains stable, focusing on quality and maintaining buyer relationships. Production volumes have remained relatively stable, but weather in the Delta and Upper Egypt have caused yield variations. However, overall supply has been sufficient to meet rising export demand. One key driver of this demand is the lower production in other exporting countries, which has led international buyers to turn to Egyptian onions. Moreover, Egypt's competitive pricing and strong export position have reinforced its role as a major supplier in global markets.
Onion prices in Muzaffarpur have surged significantly ahead of Holi and Ramadan, rising to USD 8.04 per quintal within a week. Wholesale prices in the Ahiyapur market have jumped from USD 27.57 to 29.86 per quintal to USD 37.91 to 40.20 per quintal, driven by supply shortages and rising demand. The sharp increase is primarily due to heavy rains in Nov-24 and Dec-24, which damaged around 25% of onion crops in key producing states like Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Moreover, rain-affected onions have a shorter shelf life, further reducing availability in the market. With festive demand increasing, consumers experience higher costs, and traders anticipate continued price volatility unless supply conditions improve.
The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) will inspect all onion cold storage facilities across the Philippines to determine whether traders withhold newly harvested supplies from the market amid concerns over hoarding and price manipulation. The Agriculture Secretary emphasized that farmers and traders should store onions only toward the middle or end of the harvest season, not at the start. Holding stocks instead of selling them could indicate illegal price manipulation. The BPI aims to complete its inspection within four to seven days and will release a report by the end of W10.
The government imported 4,000 metric tons (mt) of onions earlier in Feb-25 to prevent a supply shortage. Despite this, prices remain high, with red onions ranging between USD 2.45 and 4.20 per kilogram (kg) and white onions at USD 2.27 to 2.62/kg in W9. In Jan-25, red onions cost USD 2.45/kg.
India's onion prices fell to USD 0.22/kg in W9, reflecting a 12% week-on-week (WoW) and month-on-month (MoM) decline. This decline is due to the arrival of fresh produce, a strong Kharif harvest, and higher imports, which have helped ease supply constraints and bring down wholesale market rates. Moreover, a decline in international prices has further contributed to the price correction. Previously, onion prices surged due to drought conditions, delaying the sowing and harvesting cycle, and leading to supply shortages. However, the market has now adjusted, and as seen in past years when a crop experiences record-high prices, farmers often expand production the following season, increasing supply and stabilizing prices.
In W9, onion prices in the Netherlands rose 14.29% WoW and 23.08% MoM to USD 0.16/kg. Organic onion prices remain high, while red onion shortages persist due to poor yields caused by excessive rainfall. Although current price stability provides some relief, weak export demand and rising supply may limit any significant price recovery in the short term. However, localized price spikes could occur for red onions due to shortages, while organic onion prices may stay stable due to sustained demand.
In W9, Mexico's onion prices dropped to USD 0.46 per kg, a 2.13% WoW and 6.12% MoM decline. This is primarily due to an oversupply driven by improved weather conditions in key producing regions like Zacatecas and Guanajuato. Recent reports indicate that these favorable conditions led to an estimated 6 to 8% increase in onion yields compared to the previous season, which boosted overall production and resulted in higher stock levels. Moreover, a reported 4% decline in export orders to key markets further contributed to the surplus, intensifying downward pressure on domestic prices.
In W9, onion prices in Egypt fell to USD 0.18/kg, marking a 5.26% WoW and MoM decline. The price drop is due to a strong local supply, supported by favorable weather conditions in key regions like the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt. Furthermore, an oversupply from last season’s global shortage prompted farmers to expand acreage, further pressuring prices. While the 2025 harvest is expected to match last year’s 3 million metric tons (mmt), steady local demand at 1.2 mmt suggests continued high supply levels. Export demand from Europe and Africa will likely to increase, but short-term price fluctuations should remain minimal. Stable yellow onion yields will help maintain supply levels and contribute to overall price stability.
In W9, Spain's onion prices surged 21.43% WoW and 17.24% MoM to USD 0.18/kg. As the new season approaches, the industry anticipates an increase in demand. According to exporters, there will be a shortage of red onions in many parts of the world. In 2024, Spain's total onion production declined to approximately 1.147 mmt, down from previous years, due to adverse weather conditions impacting yields. The cultivated area also decreased to 23.26 thousand hectares (ha), further limiting supply. Moreover, Spain’s onion exports rose 2.57% YoY in Oct-24 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching USD 62.57 million, reflecting strong international demand. The combination of lower domestic supply, robust export demand, and global red onion shortages contributed to the sharp price increase.
Egypt has emerged as a key onion supplier in 2025 due to strong demand, particularly for red and yellow onions, and lower production in competing countries. To capitalize on this advantage, Egyptian exporters should prioritize long-term contracts with major European and African buyers to secure stable market access and mitigate the risk of price fluctuations. Moreover, expanding exports to Asia, particularly the Philippines and India, could help absorb surplus supply, given both countries’ history of import reliance. Implementing value-added processing (e.g., dried onions, onion powder) can further enhance market reach and increase export revenue. By investing in quality control measures and maintaining a consistent supply chain, Egyptian exporters can solidify their position as a reliable global supplier, ensuring continued demand despite potential future production recoveries in other regions.
India and the Philippines are experiencing contrasting onion price trends. India sees declining prices due to strong supply, while the Philippines struggles with high costs and hoarding concerns. For India, authorities should monitor production cycles and consider strategic buffer stock procurement to prevent price collapses that could discourage future planting. Furthermore, export incentives could help stabilize local prices by redirecting excess supply to markets like Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Meanwhile, the Philippines should enhance cold storage regulations to prevent hoarding and price manipulation to stabilize domestic prices.
Onion prices in the Netherlands and Spain have surged due to supply constraints and poor weather-related yields, particularly affecting red onions and organic varieties. To mitigate future price shocks, exporters and producers should invest in resilient supply chain solutions, such as improved irrigation systems and diversified planting schedules, to counteract unpredictable weather conditions. Moreover, enhancing storage infrastructure can help smooth out seasonal supply fluctuations and extend onion availability beyond the peak harvest period. For exporters, securing logistics partnerships with European retail chains can ensure stable demand and minimize supply chain disruptions. By addressing these inefficiencies, Spanish and Dutch producers can better withstand market volatility and maintain consistent pricing and export volumes in competitive global markets.
Sources: Tridge, Fresh Plaza, Department of Agriculture Philippines, Economic Times, KKN Live, The Hindu
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