According to expectations, the Dutch onion stocks may well run out in the coming months. The hot, dry summer decimated these crops, which offers opportunities to exporters outside of Europe. Exporters from Kyrgyzstan also see these opportunities. And they need them - their warehouses are full.
“From 2014 to 2017, we had a good market for onions, garlic, and potatoes going to our neighboring countries such as Russia and Kazakhstan,” says Abdykerimov Eldiar. He trades in, in particular, Class E seed potatoes. He imports these from the Netherlands and then distributes them among farmers.
He also cultivates his own potatoes in the Isstk-Kul region. This is more to the north of this Central Asian country, close to Issyk-Kul. Since the 2018/2019 season, exports to these countries have declined considerably. This is as a result of the cultivation expansion of these crops in Kazakhstan and Russia.
“The onion and potato stores are still full, and prices are extremely low,” says Abdykerimov. “Farmers find themselves in a huge crisis. We are looking for new clients in, for example, Europe.” He mentions a few figures regarding the stored products - 500.000 tons of potatoes, 250.000 tons of onions, and 70.000 tons of garlic. The current price on the local market varies between EUR0,12 and EUR0,18.
“We still have good quality onions in 40mm and 100mm sizes, available”, he explains. The majority of the stock - about 90% - is made up of yellow onions. There is also a small number of red onions available.
Exporters in this country are desperately looking for new buyers. These buyers must either be able to sell the onions and potatoes on the European market. Or they must send them on to other destinations, such as Africa. “We know that, due to the hot, dry weather, there is a limited supply in Europe”, says Abdykerimov.
Transportation takes ten to twelve days. There are also refrigerated trucks available, he explains. The seed potatoes he imports are delivered by refrigerated trucks. “Kyrgyzstan has also received a GSP+ status from the European Union. This means, no taxes need to be paid when the onions are declared at customs”, concludes the trader.
For more information:
Abdykerimov Eldiar
Head of IE "Abdykerimov Eldiar"
Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek
+996556810100 mob, w/a.
eldiar.abdykerimov@mail.ru