Senegal: Onion, the main imported horticultural product with purchases exceeding 42.4 million dollars

Importance of onion in import

Senegal stands out in West Africa as one of the main producers of onions, alongside Niger and Nigeria. However, faced with growing demand in urban areas, the country must rely on imports to meet needs, especially during periods of shortage.

Import forecasts

According to the National Agency for Market Regulation (ARM), a stock of 10,000 tons of imported onions is expected at the port of Dakar by August 14. This initiative is part of a series of measures by the Ministry of Commerce to alleviate the shortage on the local market, which has led to a rise in prices. Currently, the price of a 25 kg bag of onions exceeds 23,000 CFA francs ($38.4), compared to 19,000 francs ($31.7) a few months earlier.

Sourcing strategies

To strengthen imports, the Senegalese government is turning to Morocco, which in 2022 was the country’s third largest African supplier, after Mauritania and Egypt. A delegation from the Ministry of Commerce will travel to Morocco to discuss the opening of a supply corridor for Moroccan onions.

Exemptions and international sourcing

Although Morocco suspended onion exports to West Africa in February 2023, Senegal obtained an exemption from this ban last July, following an official request from its government. In addition, Senegal also imports onions from the Netherlands, which is its main supplier.

Key import figures

Onion remains Senegal’s main horticultural product imported, with purchases totaling more than 25.4 billion CFA francs ($42.4 million) in 2021, according to BECEAO data.

Conclusion

Onion plays a crucial role in Senegal’s food import, highlighting the need for proactive management to ensure supply and stabilize prices. With initiatives to strengthen trade partnerships, particularly with Morocco and the Netherlands, Senegal seeks to ensure sustainable supply to meet the needs of its consumers.