The market for onions from Washington is steady and demand is somewhat light, though prices for red onions are good. With lots of volume from Japan, exports to Asia have been low when compared to previous years.
“There are just not as many reds available this season,” said Jason Walker of Bybee Produce in Prosser, Washington. “Yields are down and there were some quality issues early on, so there just aren't as many available and the market for reds is strong.” On November 25, prices for a 25-pound sack of jumbo red globe onions from Washington were between $11.00 and $13.00. Prices for a 50-pound sack of jumbo yellow hybrids were between $6.50 and $7.50 and prices for a 50-pound sack of jumbo whites were between $10.00 and $12.00.
“I'm not sure where the market will go, but we will see some Christmas business in a few weeks,” said Walker. “That should keep the market steady.” Export business is slower than usual due to Japan's large crop.
“Japan is not only supplying their own country, but they're also shipping to Taiwan, which takes away sales from us,” said Walker. “Japan used to be a buyer and now they're a competitor. We have not seen as much demand this year from Hong Kong, Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries, but the market could still take off if Taiwan starts buying more.”
