Kenya: Onion And Shallot Market 2024

Onion And Shallot Market Size in Kenya

The Kenyan onion and shallot market expanded sharply to $X in 2022, surging by 12% against the previous year. Overall, consumption recorded resilient growth. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Onion And Shallot Production in Kenya

In value terms, onion and shallot production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production posted a strong increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 635% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production attained the maximum level at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

The average yield of onions and shallots in Kenya reached X tons per ha in 2022, increasing by 14% on 2021. Overall, the yield saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 40%. As a result, the yield reached the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of the average onion and shallot yield remained at a somewhat lower figure. 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 Kenya declined to X ha, falling by -3.7% against the year before. Over the period under review, the harvested area, however, showed a buoyant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 167%. The onion and shallot harvested area peaked at X ha in 2021, and then fell modestly in the following year.

Onion And Shallot Exports

Exports from Kenya

In 2022, shipments abroad of onions and shallots increased by 41% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, exports, however, recorded a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 825%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, onion and shallot exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. In general, exports showed a slight increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when exports increased by 930% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Uganda (X tons) was the main destination for onion and shallot exports from Kenya, with a 46% share of total exports. Moreover, onion and shallot exports to Uganda exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, South Sudan (X tons), threefold. Somalia (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 16% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume to Uganda stood at -5.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: South Sudan (-15.4% per year) and Somalia (+6.5% per year).

In value terms, the UK ($X) remains the key foreign market for onions and shallots exports from Kenya, comprising 41% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Somalia ($X), with a 15% share of total exports. It was followed by Uganda, with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the UK amounted to +9.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Somalia (+12.5% per year) and Uganda (+6.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average onion and shallot export price amounted to $X per ton, rising by 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price showed prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the average export price increased by 58% against the previous year. The export price peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Uganda ($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 the UK (+13.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Onion And Shallot Imports

Imports into Kenya

In 2022, overseas purchases of onions and shallots were finally on the rise to reach X tons after three years of decline. Overall, imports, however, saw a abrupt curtailment. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when imports increased by 433% against the previous year. Imports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, onion and shallot imports soared to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports, however, recorded a abrupt downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 355%. Imports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Tanzania (X tons) was the main supplier of onion and shallot to Kenya, with a 96% share of total imports. It was followed by India (X tons), with a 1.4% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Tanzania amounted to -4.2%.

In value terms, Tanzania ($X) constituted the largest supplier of onions and shallots to Kenya, comprising 95% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by India ($X), with a 1.1% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Tanzania amounted to -8.3%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average onion and shallot import price amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -9.1% against the previous year. In general, the import price showed a abrupt slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 an increase of 16% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Tanzania ($X per ton), while the price for India stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Tanzania (-4.3%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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