The onion market is currently very quiet after the good exports registered up until January. "It is quite a recurring phenomenon in February. African destinations stop importing, either because of government decrees or a reduction in demand because of the availability of local produce," explains sales manager René Tiggelman, of Handelsmaatschappij Van Langevelde, of Kruiningen.
"Furthermore, the Far East is gradually switching to New Zealand onions and that makes it particularly difficult to get rid of the product. Brazil is still taking some onions, but less than last month. I expect exports to Brazil will continue for the time being, but they are also expecting the first local batches, as well as Argentinian onions. It's still not difficult to find onions that are suitable for the Brazilian market, but a careful selection is needed," says René.
"Because of the quiet market, prices are under pressure. The price per unit to European destinations ranges between 20.50 and 22 cents and in Brazil you get only a few cents more," continues the onion exporter. He doesn't believe the situation will improve soon. "I fear we'll have to muddle through the coming weeks and I do not expect a big rebound."
