The onion harvest in the Netherlands is coming to an end after a season marked by variable weather conditions. Hot and dry periods over recent months created irrigation challenges for some growers, resulting in mixed outcomes for yields and quality.
Despite these variations, the overall supply of yellow onions in the Netherlands is expected to be sufficient, supported by stable demand from export markets.
Exports of Dutch-origin onions have started strongly in the 2025/26 season, reaching more than 250,000 metric tons (mt) by mid-September, a 24% increase compared with the same period last year. West African destinations have been central to this growth, with shipments to Senegal and the Ivory Coast together approaching 100,000 mt.
© DCA Markets
In Europe, the United Kingdom remains the leading destination, with import volumes exceeding 25,000 mt, up 12% year-on-year. Exports to Guinea, Mali, and Germany also increased, with volumes to Germany doubling from last year's levels.
As October began, export activity slowed slightly, but the strong start to the season has left traders cautiously optimistic. Following stable pricing through September, prices eased slightly during the first week of October as the market became well supplied.
Market participants are monitoring export trends closely as the season continues, alongside crop quality during storage and potential disease incidence in remaining stocks.
Source: Mintec/Expana
