China: Onion And Shallot Market 2025

Onion And Shallot Market Size in China

The Chinese onion and shallot market contracted slightly to $X in 2022, reducing by -2.5% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Onion And Shallot Production in China

In value terms, onion and shallot production reduced slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.8% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 32%. Onion and shallot production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of onions and shallots in China dropped modestly to X tons per ha in 2022, almost unchanged from the previous year's figure. Overall, the yield, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the yield increased by 0.4% against the previous year. The onion and shallot yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2018; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the harvested area of onions and shallots in China declined slightly to X ha, approximately reflecting 2021 figures. Over the period under review, the harvested area, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when the harvested area increased by 3.5%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to onion and shallot production reached the maximum at X ha in 2018; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Onion And Shallot Exports

Exports from China

In 2022, overseas shipments of onions and shallots were finally on the rise to reach X tons after two years of decline. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The exports peaked at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, onion and shallot exports soared to $X in 2022. Overall, total exports indicated a resilient expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The exports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Japan (X tons), Vietnam (X tons) and South Korea (X tons) were the main destinations of onion and shallot exports from China, together accounting for 70% of total exports. Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan, Russia and the Philippines lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 21%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Pakistan (with a CAGR of +112.7%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest markets for onion and shallot exported from China were Vietnam ($X), Japan ($X) and South Korea ($X), together comprising 78% of total exports. Thailand, Malaysia, Russia, Pakistan and the Philippines lagged somewhat behind, together comprising a further 13%.

Pakistan, with a CAGR of +111.1%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, among the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average onion and shallot export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, with an increase of 3.3% against the previous year. Over the last decade, it increased at an average annual rate of +3.6%. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 when the average export price increased by 17%. The export price peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Vietnam ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Pakistan ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Russia (+8.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Onion And Shallot Imports

Imports into China

In 2022, approx. X tons of onions and shallots were imported into China; dropping by -22.1% against 2021 figures. Overall, imports, however, posted a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 2,808%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, onion and shallot imports declined modestly to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, posted a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 1,361%. Imports peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Myanmar (X tons) was the main onion and shallot supplier to China, with a 96% share of total imports. It was followed by India (X tons), with a 1.8% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Myanmar amounted to +8.9%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: India (-29.4% per year) and Thailand (-4.5% per year).

In value terms, Myanmar ($X) constituted the largest supplier of onions and shallots to China, comprising 97% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by India ($X), with a 2.5% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Myanmar stood at +12.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: India (-21.6% per year) and Thailand (-13.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average onion and shallot import price amounted to $X per ton, surging by 27% against the previous year. In general, the import price recorded a remarkable increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when the average import price increased by 97%. The import price peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was India ($X per ton), while the price for Thailand ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by India (+11.2%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :