Indonesia's Onion Exports and Imports Increased by 29.8% in 2020

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported that Indonesia's red onion exports reached US$13.74 million in 2020. This figure increased by 29.8% compared to the previous year, which was US$10.58 million.

Red onion export values have shown a fluctuating trend since 2016. At that time, red onion exports amounted to US$404,000. The value surged to US$9.53 million in 2017.

The following year, the value of red onion exports fell to US$6.99 million. However, the value of red onion exports increased again in 2019 and 2020.

Thailand was the main destination for Indonesian red onion exports, reaching US$9.3 million in 2020. This was followed by Singapore, with red onion exports reaching US$2.55 million.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's red onion imports were recorded at US$1.36 million in 2020. This amount surged by 148.9% compared to the previous year, which was US$545,000.

The value of red onion imports in 2016 was recorded at US$1.16 million. This decreased in 2017 to US$374,000. Then, the value of red onion imports increased for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020.

Vietnam was the largest importer of red onions, with a value reaching US$860,220 in 2020. This was followed by Malaysia, with red onion imports reaching US$173,790.

The value of red onion exports was higher than the value of imports, resulting in a red onion trade surplus of US$12.38 million. To maintain the trade balance, the Ministry of Trade (Kemendag) has implemented a policy of increasing exports based on commodity downstreaming. One example is the processing of red onions into fried red onions to increase added value and the competitiveness of products in the global market.