15 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Onions and Shallots
15 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Onions and Shallots
15 World’s Biggest Country
Producers of Onions and Shallots- According to FAO Statistical Corporate
Database (FAOSTAT) data published in 2026, there are 10
World’s Biggest Country Producers of Onions and Shallots in 2024.
Basically, Onions (Allium cepa) and
Shallots (Allium ascalonicum) are some of the most popular vegetables in
the world. It can be used as ingredients in
some dishes. Taxonomically, these crops can be
included into Class: Magnoliopsida; Superorder : Lilianae – monocots;
Order:Asparagales; Family: Amaryllidaceae; Genus:Allium L.
In fact, based on the world’s statistical production from 1961 to 2024, the harvested areas of onions and shallots are relatively in the increasing trend from 80 thousand hectares (ha) in 1961 to 250 thousand hectares (ha). Meanwhile, the production of Onions and Shallots is in an upward trend with production in 1961 at around 871 thousand tons in 1961, and it became 5.5 million tons in 2024.
The Table Rank of World’s Area Harvested and World’s Production of Onions and Shallots From 1961 to 2024
|
Years |
World's Area harvested of Onion and Shallot |
World's Production of Onion and Shallot |
|
(Hectare (Ha)) |
(Tons) |
|
|
1961 |
80,212 |
871,594 |
|
1962 |
83,296 |
981,411 |
|
1963 |
87,803 |
1,061,018 |
|
1964 |
90,089 |
1,164,370 |
|
1965 |
90,407 |
1,170,266 |
|
1966 |
91,465 |
1,201,791 |
|
1967 |
94,072 |
1,222,975 |
|
1968 |
98,058 |
1,259,796 |
|
1969 |
112,284 |
1,337,426 |
|
1970 |
103,783 |
1,329,878 |
|
1971 |
99,236 |
1,339,097 |
|
1972 |
100,152 |
1,331,958 |
|
1973 |
98,457 |
1,272,482 |
|
1974 |
97,765 |
1,296,882 |
|
1975 |
104,227 |
1,402,561 |
|
1976 |
107,212 |
1,400,468 |
|
1977 |
114,301 |
1,590,609 |
|
1978 |
115,109 |
1,612,411 |
|
1979 |
120,669 |
1,924,511 |
|
1980 |
125,642 |
1,924,840 |
|
1981 |
135,510 |
1,967,041 |
|
1982 |
143,029 |
2,062,050 |
|
1983 |
139,102 |
1,990,417 |
|
1984 |
143,463 |
2,195,105 |
|
1985 |
150,616 |
2,299,935 |
|
1986 |
158,102 |
2,442,173 |
|
1987 |
151,290 |
2,297,031 |
|
1988 |
155,469 |
2,401,073 |
|
1989 |
155,007 |
2,415,114 |
|
1990 |
162,870 |
2,509,379 |
|
1991 |
164,420 |
2,770,426 |
|
1992 |
161,771 |
2,813,620 |
|
1993 |
160,350 |
2,886,372 |
|
1994 |
164,135 |
3,135,572 |
|
1995 |
171,462 |
3,250,094 |
|
1996 |
172,865 |
3,274,770 |
|
1997 |
183,844 |
3,288,306 |
|
1998 |
179,890 |
3,201,283 |
|
1999 |
178,579 |
3,398,233 |
|
2000 |
188,328 |
3,658,437 |
|
2001 |
214,624 |
3,947,495 |
|
2002 |
214,014 |
4,038,367 |
|
2003 |
212,751 |
4,112,272 |
|
2004 |
225,689 |
4,420,610 |
|
2005 |
223,077 |
4,185,088 |
|
2006 |
228,266 |
4,560,915 |
|
2007 |
229,223 |
4,509,941 |
|
2008 |
232,210 |
4,699,110 |
|
2009 |
233,746 |
4,731,301 |
|
2010 |
231,658 |
4,682,570 |
|
2011 |
238,765 |
4,911,784 |
|
2012 |
236,905 |
4,871,115 |
|
2013 |
234,805 |
4,947,906 |
|
2014 |
222,560 |
4,805,968 |
|
2015 |
224,074 |
4,931,559 |
|
2016 |
232,246 |
5,062,588 |
|
2017 |
241,842 |
5,217,600 |
|
2018 |
238,869 |
5,156,709 |
|
2019 |
227,871 |
4,913,908 |
|
2020 |
233,301 |
5,155,535 |
|
2021 |
239,769 |
5,266,229 |
|
2022 |
239,627 |
5,021,117 |
|
2023 |
242,145 |
5,332,557 |
|
2024 |
250,443 |
5,576,778 |
|
Source:
FAOSTAT, 2026 |
||
Specifically, based on the continent, Asia and
Africa continents still become the major cultivation area of Onions and
Shallots. The output of Onions /shallots in Asia reached 2.4 million tons and
Africa’s output of shallot was around 2.48 million tons. Furthermore, the minor
cultivation regions of onions and shallots were located in Oceania with outputs
around 267 thousand tons, Americas with 275 thousand tons, and Europe with 121
thousand tons outputs.
The Production of Onions and Shallots in 2024 in The Continental Regions
|
Continent |
Production of Onions and Shallots in 2024 |
|
(Tons) |
|
|
Africa |
2,480,912 |
|
Americas |
275,242 |
|
Asia |
2,431,132 |
|
Europe |
121,904 |
|
Oceania |
267,588 |
|
Source:
FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|
Specifically, based on the countries’ production,
there are 15 world’s biggest producers of onions and shallots in 2024. All of
the data was obtained from FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT). Here
are the ranks of 15 world’s biggest country producers of onions and shallots
The Rank 15 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Onions and Shallots
|
Rank |
Countries |
Production of Onions and Shallots in 2024 |
|
(Tons) |
||
|
1 |
China,
mainland |
908,012 |
|
2 |
Mali |
847,300 |
|
3 |
Angola |
612,391 |
|
4 |
Japan |
488,887 |
|
5 |
Republic of
Korea |
449,753 |
|
6 |
Morocco |
367,061 |
|
7 |
Tunisia |
287,167 |
|
8 |
New Zealand |
267,459 |
|
9 |
Nigeria |
244,348 |
|
10 |
Thailand |
178,728 |
|
11 |
Türkiye |
108,184 |
|
12 |
Ecuador |
98,846 |
|
13 |
Mexico |
97,707 |
|
14 |
Taiwan |
89,590 |
|
15 |
North Korea |
88,539 |
|
Source:
FAOSTAT, 2026 |
||
Brief Descriptions of 15 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Onions and Shallots
1.China, mainland
China still become the biggest producer of onions and shallots in 2024.
According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of
onions and shallots from this country reached 908,012 tons. Geographically, in
this country, there are some provinces with huge production of Shallots
and Onions. These provinces include Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou,
Hainan, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang provinces. In China, there
are some types of planted onions. Specifically, Yellow Onions
still become the majority with contributing
around 87% of total China's onion production). Furthermore, red onions
contributed around 8% and White Onions contributed 5%.
2.Mali
Mali is the 2nd biggest
producer of onions and shallots in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate
Database (FAOSTAT), the production of shallots and onions from Mali
reached 847,300 tons. Onions are an important
crop in Mali and the main growing region of onion in Mali located around Ségou,
Mopti, and the Office du Niger zone. Agronomically, the onion plants in Mali
are grown during the cool or dry season which are commonly harvested between January and April with some popular
onion varieties planted in Mali are Violet de Galmi and Prema. Meanwhile,
shallot in Mali is grown in the Dogon Country and the harvested shallot from
the field is not consumed freshly but it is processed into a dried condiment
known as "Djaba".
3. Angola
Angola is also a notable county in
Africa as the producer of shallot and onion.
Statistically, the production of onions and shallots from Angola reached
612,391 tons in 2024. Geographically, the onion and shallot cultivation in
Angola is basically concentrated in the central and southern provinces,
particularly in Benguela, Huambo, and Huíla because of the suitability of
microclimates for vegetable farming. In terms of climatic conditions, vegetable
cultivation usually occurs in the rainy season in the month of October to May.
3.Japan
Japan is the
4th biggest country producer of Onions and Shallots in 2024.
According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of
shallots and onions from Japan reached 488,887 tons.
In this country, there are some unique Japanese shallots and they are called
Rakkyo. Meanwhile, culturally "onion" in Japan, it can be
distinguished between the Negi (long green onion) and the Tamanegi
(standard round bulb onion).
Geographically,
In Japan, there are some top regions of onion cultivating areas. These areas
include Hokkaido (the northernmost island), Hyogo (a district of west central
Japan), and Saga (a district in southwestern Japan). Of all prefectures,
Hokkaido still became the majority
prefecture in onion production in Japan contributing around 60%-70% of Japan's
Onion Production.
4.Republic of Korea
The Republic of Korea is the 4th biggest producer of
onion and shallots in 2021. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database
(FAOSTAT), the production of shallots and onions
from Republic of Korea reached 449,753 tons.
In South Korea, onions can be differentiated into Bulb Onion (Yangpa) and Green
Onion (Daepa). Furthemore, geographically, the onion production areas can be
found in the counties of Muan and Changnyeong and both are famous for onion
production. Functionally, the harvested Onion
in this country is the main influence on South Korean cuisine.
Some of the dishes that used onion as an ingredient, namely steamed
chicken rice, Paua fritters, taro chips, and soft tofu dill cream sauce.
6. Morocco
Morocco also
becomes one of the largest country producers of onions and shallots in the year
of 2024. Statistically, the production of onions and shallots from Morocco
reached 367,061 tons in 2024. Geographically, El Hajeb is the most important
province of Onion in Morocco, contributing approximately 23-28% of Morocco's
onion production. Furthermore, other key areas of onion production in Morocco
include Meknès and Beni Mellal. Agronomically, types of onion planted in
Morocco are yellow and red onions. Meanwhile, related to shallot, true shallots
are often grown in more controlled environments or specific pockets within the
Fès-Meknès and Berrechid regions.
7.Tunisia
Tunisia is
the 7th biggest producer of
Onions and Shallots in 2024. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database
(FAOSTAT), the production of Shallots and Onions reached 287,167 tons.
Commonly, onions are a staple crop in Tunisia, and it can be used as
ingredients for some traditional dishes of Tunisia, including Kamounia, Slata
Mechouia, Couscous. Geographically, the majority onion cultivation area in
Tunisia can be found in the regions of Sidi Bouzid, Kairouan, Jendouba, and
Bizerte. In terms
of genetic aspects, some varieties of onion planted in Tunisia are Blanc Hâtif de Paris,
Morada de Amposta, Red Amposta & Giza 6. Meanwhile, compared to Onion, shallots in Tunisia are recognized as
a high-value crop grown for export and special dining.
8. New Zealand
New Zealand is the 8th biggest country producer of Onion and Shallots in 2024. Statistically, the production of Shallot and Onions from New Zealand reached 267,459 tons. In terms of Geographical aspects, the onion and shallots production in New Zealand is concentrated in several areas, namely Pukekohe (South Auckland), Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay & Manawatū. Genetically, some of the onion varieties planted in New Zealand are Pukekohe Long Keeper, Early Long Keeper, Kiwi Gold, Rhinestone. Economically, approximately 85–90% of the harvested onions from New Zealand are exported to many countries. Meanwhile, related to shallot in New Zealand, there are some varieties of shallot cultivated in New Zealand, namely Monique and Roderique and the shallot in New Zealand is usually planted from May through August.
9.Nigeria
Nigeria is
the 9th biggest country producer of Onions and Shallots in
2024. Statistically, the production of Shallots and Onions from Nigeria
reached 244,348 tons. In the types of onion, Nigeria planted some onions including Red Onions, White Onions, Yellow/ brown onions, spring
Onions. Of all onions, Red Onions still become the most cultivated onions in
Nigeria. Geographically, related to Onion’s production, the Growing region of
onions in Nigeria can be found in North-West (Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, and
Jigawa), North-East (Bauchi and Gombe), and North-Central (Plateau). Meanwhile,
the Shallot growing region in Nigeria can be found in the Northern regions
10.Thailand
Thailand is
the 10th biggest producer of onions and shallots in 2024.
According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of
shallots and onion from Thailand reached 178,728 tons.
Geographically, in Thailand, there are some provinces as the major cultivation
area. Specifically, Ubonratchatani, Chiang Mai, Lumpoon, and Srisaket Province
are some of the main areas of shallot and onions cultivation in Thailand. Agronomically, related to climatic conditions, the planting time of Onion and Shallot in Thailand
usually begins in October–November with the harvesting time usually occurring in January until March.
11.Türkiye
Turkiye is
the 11th biggest producer of onions and shallots in 2024.
According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of
onions and shallots from this country reached 108,184 tons.
Geographically, the onion production area of Türkiye can be found in Ankara
(Polatlı & Şereflikoçhisar), Amasya, Hatay & Adana, Eskişehir &
Çorum. In terms of climatic conditions, In the Türkiye, the Onion is usually planted in Winter (harvesting around July – September) and
Summer (March – May). Meanwhile, the shallot production in Turkiye is
concentrated in different regions, namely Gaziantep Region (harvesting time
starting in June) and Çorum & Amasya Regions (harvesting time starting in
September).
12. Ecuador
Statistically,
according to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of onions and shallots in Ecuador reached
98,846 tons in 2024. Geographically, in Ecuador, the onion cultivation
can be found in Coastal Lowlands (Manabí & Santa Elena) and Andean
Highlands (Sierra). Functionally, in Ecuador, onions are the essential ingredients in making some Ecuadorian dishes including Encebollado, Curtido, Locro de Papa (potato
soup).
13. Mexico
Statistically,
according to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of
onions and shallots reached 97,707 tons in 2024. Mexico is one
of the world's largest country producers and exporters of onions. In Mexico,
some popular types of Onion in Mexico White Onions, Red Onions, Green Onions.
Related to geographic production, the main growing region of Onion in Mexico
is located in Chihuahua, contributing over 20% of
national production of Onion in Mexico. Furthermore, some other regions of onion are Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Baja California,
Guanajuato, and Michoacán.
14.Taiwan
Taiwan is the
14th biggest producer of onion and shallots in 2024. According
to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of onions and
shallots from Taiwan reached 89,590 tons. In Taiwan, the main Shallot growing region can be found in Tainan and Yunlin counties and culturally, Shallot is used as
ingredients for Taiwan dishes including Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan), Noodle
Soups, Chiayi Turkey Rice.
15. North Korea
Statistically, the production of onions and shallots from North Korea reached 88,539 tons in 2024. In North Korea, onions (yangpa) are a crucial staple vegetable, as an ingredient for North Korea's Cuisine including Kimchi, Stews and Soups, pyeonsu. Meanwhile, the "shallot" in North Korea or commonly called "jjokpa" can be used as ingredients of some North Korean dishes including Pa-Kimchi (Green Onion Kimchi), Pajeon (Pancakes), Garnish.
The Histogram Rank of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Onions and Shallots in 2024
The Table Rank of 15 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Onions and Shallots in 2024
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