Morocco’s Onion Market Hits New Export Record: Robust Demand and Dynamic Recovery in 2024/25

The onion market has entered a phase of dynamic expansion, highlighted by Morocco’s record-setting fresh onion exports in the 2024/25 season. The country shipped 64,900 metric tons, valued at USD 238 million—an accomplishment underscoring Morocco’s resilience and strategic positioning in the global trade landscape. This surge, representing a 4.8-fold increase from last season and a 3% rise above the previous all-time high, followed the lifting of export restrictions that had sharply curtailed shipments in 2023/24. Historically restricted by modest volumes under 10,000 tons (prior to 2013), Morocco’s onion export industry has, over the past decade, transformed into a formidable pillar of the country’s horticultural sector, now ranking fourth among vegetable exports after tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots.

Export momentum peaked in September 2024, with volumes for that month alone outpacing the previous full-season total. A sharp rebound transpired as West African destinations like Mauritania and Côte d’Ivoire increased their imports, while the Middle East—most notably the UAE—emerged as a new growth market, accounting for 8.5% of total exports. This rally showcases not only Morocco’s agility in restoring market share post-restrictions but also its expansion into diversified global markets. As the season progresses, weather conditions and regional competition will remain critical, but Morocco’s resurgence cements its reputation as a key supplier in the onion market, offering new opportunities and strengthening sector resilience.

📈 Prices

Product	Type	Origin	Location	Delivery Terms	Latest Price (EUR/kg)	Weekly Change (%)	Update Date
Onion powder	grade – B	IN	New Delhi	FOB	1.33	0%	2025-08-22
Onion powder	white	IN	New Delhi	FOB	1.60	0%	2025-08-22
Onion	powder, organic	IN	New Delhi	FOB	2.68	0%	2025-08-22
Onion	flakes, organic	IN	New Delhi	FOB	5.15	0%	2025-08-22
Onion (Fresh)	fresh	EG	Kairo	FOB	0.81	0%	2025-08-22
Onion (Fried)	crispy fried	PL	Lodz	FCA	3.42	0%	2025-08-14

🌍 Supply & Demand

• Morocco’s fresh onion exports surged to 64,900 MT (+4.8x YoY), after export bans were lifted mid-2024.
• Peak shipping season: June through September, with exports tapering off by January.
• West Africa remained the primary market: Mauritania doubled imports; Côte d’Ivoire rose; Mali, Senegal softened.
• New markets: UAE took 5,500 MT (8.5% of total), highlighting demand strength outside traditional African routes.
• Global trade bolstered by recovery in Morocco, but supplies from India, Egypt, and European competitors remain stable—limiting upward pressure on international prices for now.

📊 Fundamentals

• Production: Morocco’s rapid climb from sub-10,000 MT exports in 2012 to nearly 65,000 MT in 2024 underscores substantial sector investment and improved yields.
• Stocks in Morocco are healthy, boosted by strong 2024 harvest and rapid logistics recovery after export ban reversal.
• USDA & Global Data: Global onion inventories are steady, with India, China, and Egypt remaining dominant producers.
• Speculator activity: No abnormal positioning reported; traders in the region are cautious but optimistic.

☀️ Weather Outlook

• Morocco & North Africa: Current weather is largely favorable, with Mediterranean temperatures aiding storage and quality for shipping. No short-term drought or flooding events expected.
• India: Monsoon rains have ended, resulting in average to slightly above-average yields in major growing states.
• Egypt: Conditions stable, supporting export readiness for the EU and Middle Eastern buyers.

🌏 Global Comparison

Country	2024 Onion Exports (MT)	Key Markets	Export Trend
Morocco	64,900	West Africa, UAE	Record growth (+4.8x YoY)
India	1,600,000	Gulf, Asia, EU	Stable
Egypt	600,000	EU, GCC, Africa	Stable
Netherlands	1,000,000	Europe, Africa	Healthy exports

📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

• Buyers: Secure contracts early for West Africa and GCC—supply is robust but surging demand may add logistics premiums after September peak.
• Sellers: Capitalize on market opening post-ban. Morocco, Egypt and India remain competitive; focus on niche quality or new destinations for premium margin.
• Spot prices are steady; short-term volatility unlikely unless adverse weather or new policy changes emerge.
• Speculators: Hold or cautiously buy—seasonal peak demand may drive minor upside, but fundamentals are balanced.
• Watch for: Any renewed export restrictions from Morocco or India (not expected near-term), and weather patterns in Northern Africa.

🔮 3-Day Regional Price Forecast

Exchange/Product	Current Price (EUR/kg)	Forecast Range (EUR/kg)	Market Sentiment
IN, New Delhi (Onion powder, B)	1.33	1.32 – 1.35	Stable
IN, New Delhi (Onion powder, white)	1.60	1.59 – 1.62	Stable
IN, New Delhi (Onion powder, organic)	2.68	2.67 – 2.71	Stable
EG, Kairo (Fresh Onion)	0.81	0.81 – 0.83	Steady
PL, Lodz (Fried Onion)	3.42	3.41 – 3.45	Stable, niche