Introduction
Onions are one of the most widely traded agricultural commodities, and India has long been a dominant player in global onion exports. With diverse varieties, competitive pricing, and a robust supply chain, India continues to serve as a reliable source for international importers.
If you are an importer seeking a dependable supply of high-quality onions, understanding India’s onion export landscape is essential. This blog provides a comprehensive guide on the Indian onion trade—from leading destinations and varietal strengths to regulations, pricing trends, and how Strivex Global can simplify your sourcing journey.
India’s Position in the Global Onion Export Market
India ranks among the world’s top onion exporters, supplying millions of tonnes annually to key global markets. In 2024–25, India’s onion exports were valued at over US$525 million, reaffirming its position as one of the leading suppliers to Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
While countries like the Netherlands, China, and Mexico are also major exporters, India’s edge lies in year-round availability, affordability, and diverse varieties, making it the preferred choice for importers worldwide.
Key Export Destinations & Trade Volumes
According to trade data, India shipped more than 44,000 onion consignments between November 2023 and October 2024, supplied by nearly 3,000 exporters to over 4,700 global buyers.
The top import destinations include:
- Bangladesh – India’s largest onion buyer.
- Sri Lanka – Consistently reliant on Indian onions.
- United Arab Emirates – Strong demand for both fresh and small onions.
India also leads in the small onion export segment, with significant shipments to the UAE, Qatar, and Sri Lanka. This diversified buyer base ensures India’s onions remain in strong demand across multiple markets.
Regulatory Landscape & Export Logistics
Documentation & Compliance
Importers must ensure exporters in India are registered with an Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the DGFT. Correct classification using HS Code 0703.10 for fresh onions is essential for smooth customs clearance.
Other required documentation includes:
- Phytosanitary certificates
- Quality inspection reports
- Export invoices and shipping bills
- Proper packaging and labeling in compliance with destination-country standards
Trade Policy & Duties
India’s export policies on onions are dynamic. In April 2025, the government removed a 20% export duty to stimulate global demand after a drop in local prices. While this boosted exports, market volatility remains influenced by weather conditions, domestic demand, and global supply competition.
Varietal Strengths & Supply Chain Highlights
India’s onion diversity is a major advantage for importers:
- Lasalgaon Onion – Known for pungency and long shelf life, grown in Maharashtra’s Nashik district (often called the “Onion Capital of India”).
- Bangalore Rose Onion – GI-tagged variety, highly pungent with a distinctive red hue, popular in Southeast Asia and Middle Eastern markets.
These GI-certified onions strengthen India’s export branding and assure buyers of quality and traceability.
Market Trends, Prices & Risks
The Indian onion market is sensitive to both climate and policy shifts.
- In May 2025, onion prices fell to about ₹20,973 per MT (US$251/MT) after export duty removal.
- By July 2025, prices rebounded slightly (~6%) due to weather-related supply disruptions.
Risks importers should monitor:
- Price volatility caused by unpredictable weather.
- Sudden government duty or export bans.
- Logistics delays due to perishability.
- Currency fluctuations impacting trade contracts.
By partnering with trusted exporters and trade facilitators, importers can mitigate these risks and ensure supply stability.
Leveraging Platforms & Government Support
The Indian government actively supports onion exports through:
- APEDA’s Agriexchange Portal – Provides real-time market intelligence and connects exporters with global buyers.
- Operation Greens – Subsidizes storage and transportation of onions, stabilizing supply and reducing wastage.
Such initiatives ensure that India remains a competitive and reliable onion exporter.
How Strivex Global Facilitates Seamless Import
At Strivex Global, we simplify the entire onion import process by:
- Connecting you with verified and trusted exporters across India.
- Providing access to market insights and price trends for better decision-making.
- Assisting with export documentation, compliance, and logistics.
- Offering personalized support tailored to your importing country’s requirements.
👉 Ready to source premium-quality onions from India
to connect with trusted exporters and ensure a smooth import process.
Conclusion
India’s onion export market is a thriving hub of opportunities for global importers. From high-volume supply and unique varietals to government-backed trade support, India continues to be one of the most trusted sources of onions worldwide.
By partnering with Strivex Global, importers can eliminate sourcing challenges, reduce risks, and unlock access to verified suppliers with ease.
Start your onion import journey today with Strivex Global—the trusted bridge between Indian exporters and global buyers.
FAQs
Q1. What documents are required to import onions from India?
Exporters must provide an IEC, HS code classification, phytosanitary certificate, invoice, and packaging compliance documents.
Q2. How do export duties affect onion prices?
Duties directly impact competitiveness—removal of the 20% duty in April 2025 boosted export demand but lowered domestic prices.
Q3. Which onion varieties are most suitable for export?
Lasalgaon and Bangalore Rose onions are in high demand due to their quality, pungency, and shelf life.
Q4. Can Strivex Global help with customs and logistics?
Yes—Strivex Global provides end-to-end support, from exporter connections to logistics and compliance advisory.
