June 6, 2024
New Zealand Onion Harvest
The 2024 onion harvest has gone well for growers across New Zealand. Overall, the quality of the onions being harvested is higher than average and most onion growers are happy with the yield. We are now working hard to deliver products across our various export markets, noting difficult market conditions globally. With the exceptional quality of the onion harvest this year, we are likely to see a much longer export season, particularly to Southeast Asia.
Export Markets
European Union: Europe is shaping up to require a normal amount of onions, rather than the optimistic amount first signalled in November / December 2023. With the EU FTA now in force earlier than expected, the tariffs on NZ Onions were reduced on 1 May 2024 which is a significant talking point and a benefit to NZ over our competitors in Australia, and keeping us at level competition to other markets with similar access.
Indonesia: Indonesia continues to be our leading market; both in terms of pricing and regulatory challenges. We continue to work through the latest regulatory requirements. Positively, the Indonesian market is responsive and believe there is good demand for NZ grown onions. New Zealand is geared up to supply the market best we can.
Japan/ Taiwan/ Malaysia/ Thailand: Appears to be relatively normal demand for product at this time of the year.