China's main onion-producing regions include Yunnan, Henan, Shandong, and Gansu. Among them, Yunnan onions are the earliest to hit the market, available from early March through late April. Henan follows from mid-April to mid-May, Shandong from mid-June to mid-July, and Gansu rounds out the cycle from late July to the end of February the following year, ensuring nearly year-round supply.
Niek, head of JINING NEW SILK ROAD FOOD CO., LTD., shared insights into the current market landscape, "We are currently exporting onions from Henan. February to June is typically the peak season for onion exports. At the moment, we are mainly shipping peeled and frozen onions to the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, with an average export volume of around 10 containers per week."
Niek highlighted a key factor contributing to current export momentum: "Sea freight to Europe is now between $1,700 and $1,900 per container, relatively low compared to previous years. This cost advantage significantly enhances our competitiveness and supports expansion into European markets."
He added that growing conditions have been ideal this season, "The expansion of planting areas combined with favorable weather and a mild rainy season has resulted in a strong yield and high-quality onions. Prices have also dropped to the lowest levels seen in recent years."
Onion preferences vary across markets. "Skinned yellow and red onions are in high demand in Southeast Asia," Niek explained. "European markets, on the other hand, prefer value-added products such as peeled onions, onion slices, and diced onions, which can be used directly without further processing. Thanks to China's relatively low labor costs, these products are very competitive."
In terms of product quality and supply guarantee, JINING NEW SILK ROAD FOOD CO., LTD. has over 12 years of experience in onion exports and operates its own planting base. "From sowing and field management to harvesting, we maintain strict quality control at every stage," Niek said. "We've also obtained GLOBAL GAP certification, and our mature cold chain logistics system ensures that the onions remain fresh upon arrival at our customers' warehouses."
In addition to onions, the company also exports ginger and garlic, key products that complement its portfolio in the global agricultural market.