ISLAMABAD, Nov 11 (ABC): Pakistan earned $21.68 million from exports of fresh onions, shallots and dried onions during FY2025-26, with total shipments reaching nearly 109,758 tonnes. Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka emerged as major buyers of fresh produce, while Saudi Arabia led the dried onion market.
According to official figures available with Wealth Pakistan, fresh onions and shallots generated $19.79 million from shipments totalling 108,680 tonnes. This category accounted for 91.3% of combined export earnings, making fresh produce the main contributor to Pakistan’s onion exports.
Malaysia emerged as the largest destination for fresh onions and shallots, purchasing shipments worth $7.27 million. The United Arab Emirates followed with $4.99 million, while Sri Lanka imported produce valued at $3.67 million.
Together, these three markets generated $15.93 million, representing 80.5% of total fresh onion and shallot export earnings. The figures highlight the importance of Asian and Gulf markets for Pakistan’s fresh onion trade.
Other major destinations included Oman, which purchased fresh onions and shallots worth $1.56 million. Meanwhile, exports to Singapore reached $839,876, followed by Qatar at $825,249.
Collectively, these six markets accounted for 96.8% of fresh onion and shallot export earnings during the fiscal year.
Dried onion exports fetch higher average unit value
Dried onion exports contributed another $1.90 million in foreign exchange earnings from shipments of approximately 1,077 tonnes. Although the volume was considerably smaller, dried onions fetched a substantially higher average export unit value.
The average export value of dried onions stood at $1.76 per kilogram, compared with approximately $0.18 per kilogram for fresh onions and shallots. This difference reflects the distinct commercial characteristics and values of the two product categories.
Saudi Arabia emerged as the largest buyer of Pakistani dried onions, purchasing shipments worth $812,428. The country accounted for 42.8% of total dried onion export earnings.
Australia ranked second with imports worth $270,001, while the United States followed with $251,021. Together, these three destinations contributed 70.3% of Pakistan’s dried onion export earnings.
The dried onion trade also extended to several European and North American markets. The United Kingdom imported dried onions worth $163,968, followed by the United Arab Emirates at $126,951.
Meanwhile, Canada purchased shipments valued at $73,304, while exports to France reached $60,791. These figures demonstrate the wider geographical distribution of Pakistan’s dried onion trade compared with fresh onion exports.
Fresh and dried onions serve different export markets
The difference between fresh and dried onion exports was particularly evident in the United States and Australia, where dried products generated considerably higher earnings.
Pakistan earned $251,021 from dried onion exports to the United States, compared with $56,856 from fresh onions and shallots. Similarly, dried onion exports to Australia reached $270,001, against $37,729 for fresh produce.
These figures highlight the distinct market preferences for fresh and processed onion products. While fresh onions dominate shipments to major Asian and Gulf destinations, dried onions have established markets in North America, Europe and Australia.
Overall, Pakistan’s onion export performance reflects two complementary trade channels. Fresh onions and shallots generate most export earnings through large-volume shipments, while dried onions contribute additional foreign exchange at higher average unit values.
The figures also highlight the potential for Pakistan to strengthen its presence in overseas markets through both fresh agricultural exports and value-added onion products.
