Key Highlights: 

• A comprehensive overview of the top destinations of Indian onion exports during 2024-25.

• In 2024-25, India’s onion exports accounted for $525,938,755.42.

• In 2024-25, red onion exporters shipped $434,505.4 of onions globally.

• The HS code for onions and shallots is 070310.

• The HS code for red onions is 07031010.

If there's one thing that India knows how to grow in bulk, apart from its fragrant spices and teas, it's onions. Yes, onions. A humble vegetable that makes us teary-eyed, quite literally. But here's the twist: the world is crying out for this staple, and not because of them. So, what makes them so special on the international trade front? Read on to decode why Indian onions are a global favourite, along with the top 10 destinations for Indian onion exports.

Why Can’t The World Get Enough of Indian Onion Exports?

Before we delve deep into the top 10 destinations for Indian onion exports, it's important to understand India's position in global onion trade. India is the largest onion exporter during 2024-2025, with onion exports accounting for $525,938,755.42. But what makes them stand out in the global crowd?

Well, the answer is simple! India's fertile soils and climate make onion cultivation feasible throughout the years, especially in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. And it doesn't stop there. Indian onions are known for their distinct sweet flavour, crispness and long shelf life, making them an appealing choice across the globe.

Not to mention, from the fiery red onions to the mild white onions, India's onion export portfolio is quite diverse & varied.

With all these in play, the demand for Indian onions is growing significantly in markets like Africa, the Middle East and parts of Asia.

 

Top 10 Destinations For Indian Onion Export

Indian onions might start from the fields of India, but their final destination is in mouth-watering dishes across the globe, from biryanis to pickles. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 destinations for Indian onion exports.

 

Based on the table above, it’s quite evident that India has cemented its visibility in the global onion export landscape with a diverse range of markets. In fact, Bangladesh steers the ship of Indian onion exports with a market share of 43.26%, thanks to the country’s strong trade relationship with India, geographical proximity and mutual culinary heritage. 

Following closely behind is Sri Lanka with a market share of 15.61%. What’s interesting is that Sri Lankan cuisine is incomplete without onions, especially in their curries, sambals and other traditional dishes. 

Surprisingly, the Indian onion export market is home to a few emerging countries like the Maldives, Nepal and Vietnam. These Asian regions import Indian onions at a low yet steady rate, hinting at new market potential for the future.

In A Nutshell

All in all, it is quite clear that onions are a household ingredient found across the globe, with Indian onion exports carving a strong way on the trade front. With a growing demand, it's essential for red onion suppliers and exporters to make strategic trade decisions to tap into the right markets. Want to learn about the Indian red onion suppliers and buyers? Book a demo with Ex-Im today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is onion export profitable in India? 
Absolutely! India is a leading onion exporter and producer, making it a profitable business.

2. Which country imports onions? 
The top destinations for Indian onion exports are Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Turkey, the UAE, China and Spain, to name a few.

3. Which onion is best for export from India? 
While several varieties of onion are exported from India, the Pusa variety and the Nashik variety of red onions are quite famous, and there are several red onion exporters in India. 

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