The 2024/2025 Egyptian onion season has been rather disappointing for both producers and exporters, or at least didn't live up to the expectations following an exceptionally successful season just a year before. This is according to Mohamed Hassan, export manager at Al Gamal.
The sector is struggling to return to normal after the export ban from October 2023 to April 2024. Prices reached high levels on local and export markets, in a context of global scarcity, attracting growers and leading to excessive production this season. According to professional sources, production is estimated at 3 million tonnes, i.e., an excess of over one million tonnes excluding local consumption and the usual export volume.
The exporter says, " The contrast between last season and this is clear. Demand was high in 2023/2024, leading to an increase in the surface area of onion volumes this season. However, demand for Egyptian onions throughout the present season has been average at best."
Hassan adds, "The normal result, which we noticed from the start of the season, is that we have a lot of onions in our arms, and prices have dropped by an average of 10% compared with last season. This trend has lasted all season, much to the disappointment of growers and exporters."
The exporter anticipates an increase in prices towards the end of the season. He concludes, "We will continue to export yellow onions until July 15, and red onions until September. We expect prices to improve towards the end of the season."
For more information:
Mohammad Hassan
Al Gamal for Import and Export
Whatsapp: +201157845538
Email: [email protected]