Analysis Onions
Onion export on the rise the first week of September
The first full week of September was not bad for the Dutch onion exporters. For the first time this season, the 30,000 barrier has been broken. As almost usual at this time of year, Africa takes the lead.
In week 36, 30,039 tons of onions were exported, according to the figures from KCB/GroentenFruit Huis. That is 6,500 tons more than the adjusted export in week 35. In total, 188,992 tons of onions have been exported this season. This puts us 10,000 tons behind last season.
Senegal, partly due to a boat loaded in week 36, is by far the largest importer of Dutch onions, accounting for 6,604 tons. In total, Senegal has imported 26,032 tons of Dutch onions this season up to week 36. This is quite remarkable because officially the border only opened this week (week 39). The first onions were already sent that way in week 28. Ivory Coast and Israel complete the top 3 largest importers with imports of 3,307 and 3,938 tons respectively.
Belgium is above Great Britain this week with 2,661 tons imported compared to 2,230 tons. According to insiders, it is not certain that those onions will stay in Belgium. They most likely went to Africa through a Belgian trader. The Dutch phytosanitary certificates are made for the Belgian buyer, so the onions will be included in the statistics for Belgium.
