Onion · ranking
The ten biggest importers in the vegetable chapter that includes onions, shallots and garlic, ranked from declared customs data. Here is how an onion exporter should use a list that is wider than its product.
| # | Market | Value | Volume | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | $16.5B | — | 2024 |
| 2 | Germany | $8.8B | — | 2024 |
| 3 | United Kingdom | $5.2B | — | 2024 |
| 4 | India | $5.1B | — | 2024 |
| 5 | France | $4.8B | — | 2024 |
| 6 | Canada | $4.1B | — | 2024 |
| 7 | Netherlands | $3.7B | — | 2024 |
| 8 | Belgium | $2.9B | — | 2024 |
| 9 | Italy | $2.7B | — | 2024 |
| 10 | Japan | $2.4B | — | 2024 |
Ranking is for the whole of HS chapter 07 (edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers), reporter-declared, latest year available per market. Source: UN Comtrade.
Fresh onions are covered by heading 0703 of the harmonised system, which also includes shallots, garlic and leeks. The ranking, however, comes from all of chapter 07, so imported potatoes, tomatoes, frozen vegetables and dried legumes are counted too. Treat the figures as vegetable demand, and use them to spot promising markets rather than to measure onion volume.
Reporting years and re-exports also affect it, since each country is taken at its latest available year.
The United States leads with $16.5B, well clear of Germany at $8.8B. The United Kingdom ($5.2B) and India ($5.1B) are a near pair, followed by France at $4.8B and Canada at $4.1B. The Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Japan close the table between $3.7B and $2.4B. Overall, the ten hold 59.4% of the value across 96 markets.
For an exporter, that suggests two very different approaches: a large buyer like the United States is likely to have many importers and heavy competition, while a smaller entry such as Japan may reward a focused offer aimed at a few specialist importers.
Once you have chosen a destination, filter shipment records to heading 0703 and read the consignee names, origins and quantities. Repeat buyers with regular monthly entries are usually stronger prospects than one-off importers, and the origin column shows which competing exporters they already use.
Prepare answers on size grading, colour, packing and transit time, since fresh onions do not tolerate long delays. Check the destination’s current import conditions and documentary requirements with customs, and agree the payment method and delivery term before shipping. This site’s marketplace can also connect you with buyers who post their needs.
The United States, at $16.5B, ahead of Germany at $8.8B. The value is for all of HS chapter 07, so it includes vegetables other than onions.
Yes. The United Kingdom at $5.2B and India at $5.1B are nearly level, and so are France at $4.8B and, a step lower, Canada at $4.1B and the Netherlands at $3.7B in a tight run.
Only roughly. The chapter includes many other vegetables, so the totals overstate onions. Search heading 0703 shipment records for a truer picture of onion purchases in each market.
Grade and size details, packing, expected transit time, payment terms and a delivery term. Also confirm the destination's current plant-health and labelling requirements with the customs authority.
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