Onion Market Analysis: Prices Tumble on Abundant Supplies, Stable Outlook Ahead

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The global onion market is currently experiencing a period of notable price softness, driven by strong harvests across major producing regions and muted demand. In India, a key supplier, onion prices have recently declined by $0.24 to $0.30 per kg, with analysts projecting continued volatility in the $0.12 to $0.24 per kg range until the onset of the monsoon. Wholesale markets in Rajkot are seeing daily arrivals of 10,000 to 12,000 sacks, but demand remains largely local, and exports are halted. Meanwhile, production in Gujarat is up approximately 10% year-on-year, and the availability of storable onions is expected to increase gradually, extending the window for fresh arrivals until Diwali (late October/early November). Internationally, favorable harvests in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Pakistan are limiting any potential upside in both domestic and export markets. Stockists have increased inventories, hoping for marginal gains if prices rise, but the overall outlook remains capped by ample supply and weak demand. With the monsoon planting season set to begin soon, all eyes are on weather forecasts, as favorable rains could further reinforce supply security. In summary, the onion market is well-supplied, with little prospect for sustained price increases in the coming months.

📈 Prices

Origin Type Location Latest Price (USD) Previous Price (USD) Change Market Sentiment
India Powder (Organic) New Delhi 2.68/kg 2.70/kg -0.02 Bearish
Egypt Fresh Cairo 0.77/kg 0.78/kg -0.01 Bearish
India Flakes (Organic) New Delhi 5.23/kg 5.25/kg -0.02 Bearish
Poland Crispy Fried Lodz 3.42/kg 3.42/kg 0.00 Stable
India Powder (Grade B) New Delhi 1.30/kg 1.30/kg 0.00 Stable
India Powder (White) New Delhi 1.60/kg 1.60/kg 0.00 Stable
  • Rajkot (Yellow Leaf Onions): $1.92–$2.76 per 20 kg sack
  • Nashik (Yellow Leaf Onions): $2.16–$3.12 per 20 kg sack
  • Small Onions (Low Quality): $0.42–$0.72 per 20 kg sack

🌍 Supply & Demand

  • Arrivals: Rajkot receives 10,000–12,000 sacks/day; supply remains robust.
  • Demand: Limited to local markets; export demand absent due to ongoing export ban.
  • Stockists: Increasing inventories, positioning for potential marginal profit if prices rise.
  • International: Ample supply in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Pakistan keeps global prices subdued.

📊 Fundamentals

  • Production: Gujarat production up ~10% YoY; strong harvests reported in other Indian states.
  • Seasonality: Arrivals of both red and yellow leaf onions expected to continue until Diwali (late Oct/early Nov).
  • Exports: Remain halted, further capping domestic prices.
  • Inventory: Storable onion stocks rising, supporting supply through the lean season.

🌦️ Weather Outlook

  • Monsoon Outlook: The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts a normal to above-normal monsoon for 2025, with rains expected to commence in late June. This bodes well for the upcoming planting season, likely supporting another strong crop if rainfall is evenly distributed.
  • Impact: Timely and adequate rainfall will encourage farmers to plant more onions, further reinforcing the supply outlook and keeping prices in check.

🌎 Global Production & Stocks

Country 2024/25 Production Estimate (mn tonnes) Stock Situation Export Status
India 26.5 High, rising Halted
China 23.0 High Active
Pakistan 2.3 Good Active
Bangladesh 2.2 Good Active
Sri Lanka 0.3 Good Active

📆 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

  • 🔻 Bears: Ample supply, rising stocks, and halted exports keep price outlook weak.
  • 🔍 Watch: Monsoon rainfall; a poor monsoon could change the supply outlook, but current forecasts are favorable.
  • 📦 Stockists: May realize only marginal profits if prices rebound slightly; risk of further declines remains.
  • 🌐 Exporters: No relief expected until export bans are lifted and global prices recover.
  • 💡 Buyers: Good time to secure contracts at current low prices for forward needs.

🔮 3-Day Regional Price Forecast

Market Current Price (USD/kg) 3-Day Forecast (USD/kg) Trend
Rajkot (Yellow Leaf) 0.10–0.14 0.10–0.13 Stable/Weak
Nashik (Yellow Leaf) 0.11–0.16 0.11–0.15 Stable/Weak
New Delhi (Powder, Organic) 2.68 2.65–2.68 Stable
Cairo (Fresh, Egypt) 0.77 0.76–0.77 Stable/Weak