Senegal suspends onion imports to boost domestic sales
SENEGAL – Senegal will suspend onion imports starting January 25, 2025, as part of a strategy to prioritize local production and stabilize the domestic market.
This move, announced by the Market Regulation Agency (ARM) on January 21, is intended to create space for the upcoming local harvest expected in February.
“Based on the data received from technical services and producer associations, the forecasts for the first onion harvests are expected on the domestic market in February 2025,” ARM stated.
The suspension aligns with broader market regulation efforts in Senegal, which also include measures for crops like potatoes and carrots.
By limiting imports during harvest seasons, the government aims to protect local producers from excess competition and ensure fair market access.
In recent years, Senegal has produced an average of over 422,000 tons of onions annually, according to the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (ANSD).
Despite this robust output, imported onions still account for 35% of the country’s supply, creating a competitive environment for local farmers.
Onion farming in Senegal is concentrated in the Niayes region and the Senegal River Valley, areas that account for 80% of the national output. These regions are crucial for maintaining the country’s self-sufficiency goals in onion production.
Senegal’s onions have a significant presence in international markets, with major export destinations including the United States, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia.
In 2024 alone, the United States imported approximately 600,035 metric tons, followed by Malaysia with 507,793 metric tons, and the UAE with 378,046 metric tons.
These figures demonstrate Senegal’s strong position as a reliable supplier of onions, even as the country continues efforts to balance domestic needs with global demand.
The current suspension is part of Senegal’s larger agricultural policy aimed at fostering self-reliance. However, the exact duration of the import freeze and production forecasts for 2025 remain undisclosed.
ARM and other stakeholders continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the policy benefits both farmers and consumers.
“This initiative reflects Senegal’s commitment to striking a balance between supporting local agriculture and addressing market needs,” a spokesperson from ARM noted.
Senegal suspends onion imports to boost domestic sales
SENEGAL – Senegal will suspend onion imports starting January 25, 2025, as part of a strategy to prioritize local production and stabilize the domestic market.
This move, announced by the Market Regulation Agency (ARM) on January 21, is intended to create space for the upcoming local harvest expected in February.
“Based on the data received from technical services and producer associations, the forecasts for the first onion harvests are expected on the domestic market in February 2025,” ARM stated.
The suspension aligns with broader market regulation efforts in Senegal, which also include measures for crops like potatoes and carrots.
By limiting imports during harvest seasons, the government aims to protect local producers from excess competition and ensure fair market access.
In recent years, Senegal has produced an average of over 422,000 tons of onions annually, according to the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (ANSD).
Despite this robust output, imported onions still account for 35% of the country’s supply, creating a competitive environment for local farmers.
Onion farming in Senegal is concentrated in the Niayes region and the Senegal River Valley, areas that account for 80% of the national output. These regions are crucial for maintaining the country’s self-sufficiency goals in onion production.
Senegal’s onions have a significant presence in international markets, with major export destinations including the United States, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia.
In 2024 alone, the United States imported approximately 600,035 metric tons, followed by Malaysia with 507,793 metric tons, and the UAE with 378,046 metric tons.
These figures demonstrate Senegal’s strong position as a reliable supplier of onions, even as the country continues efforts to balance domestic needs with global demand.
The current suspension is part of Senegal’s larger agricultural policy aimed at fostering self-reliance. However, the exact duration of the import freeze and production forecasts for 2025 remain undisclosed.
ARM and other stakeholders continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the policy benefits both farmers and consumers.
“This initiative reflects Senegal’s commitment to striking a balance between supporting local agriculture and addressing market needs,” a spokesperson from ARM noted.