Ethiopia: Onion And Shallot Market 2025

Onion And Shallot Market Size in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian onion and shallot market was finally on the rise to reach $X in 2022, after two years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2017 to 2022, the growth of the market failed to regain momentum.

Onion And Shallot Production in Ethiopia

In value terms, onion and shallot production amounted to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.0% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the production volume increased by 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of onions and shallots in Ethiopia contracted to X tons per ha in 2022, standing approx. at 2021. In general, the yield continues to indicate a mild decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when the yield increased by 16%. Over the period under review, the average onion and shallot yield attained the maximum level at X tons per ha in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of onions and shallots production in Ethiopia shrank to X ha, remaining relatively unchanged against the previous year's figure. Overall, the total harvested area indicated a resilient increase from 2012 to 2022: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +5.5% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, onion and shallot harvested area increased by +35.7% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 27%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to onion and shallot production reached the peak figure at X ha in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

Onion And Shallot Exports

Exports from Ethiopia

In 2022, overseas shipments of onions and shallots decreased by -3.5% to X tons for the first time since 2015, thus ending a six-year rising trend. Overall, total exports indicated a perceptible expansion from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, exports increased by +59.8% against 2015 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 17%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then declined slightly in the following year.

In value terms, onion and shallot exports declined to $X in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when exports increased by 18%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2021, and then shrank in the following year.

Exports by Country

Djibouti (X tons) was the main destination for onion and shallot exports from Ethiopia, with a 71% share of total exports. Moreover, onion and shallot exports to Djibouti exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Kenya (X tons), fourfold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Djibouti amounted to +1.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Kenya (+481.9% per year) and Somalia (+10.5% per year).

In value terms, Djibouti ($X) remains the key foreign market for onions and shallots exports from Ethiopia, comprising 77% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Somalia ($X), with an 18% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Djibouti was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Somalia (+10.0% per year) and Kenya (+457.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average onion and shallot export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, dropping by -2.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price showed a noticeable descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 an increase of 14%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Somalia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Kenya ($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 Somalia (-0.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Onion And Shallot Imports

Imports into Ethiopia

In 2022, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in purchases abroad of onions and shallots, when their volume increased by 358% to X tons. In general, imports showed resilient growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 468%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, onion and shallot imports surged to $X in 2022. Overall, imports saw a resilient increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 462%. Imports peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Sudan (X tons) was the main supplier of onion and shallot to Ethiopia, accounting for a approx. 99% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Sudan totaled +11.8%.

In value terms, Sudan ($X) constituted the largest supplier of onions and shallots to Ethiopia.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Sudan totaled +10.6%.

Import Prices by Country

The average onion and shallot import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, dropping by -13.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a slight decline. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 28%. As a result, import price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2022, the average import prices failed to regain momentum.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Sudan.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Sudan amounted to -1.1% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform