India is the world's second-largest producer of onions and one of the leading exporters, supplying premium-quality bulbs to markets across the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe. We source export-grade fresh onions directly from India's leading onion belts in Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, ensuring firm texture, bright natural colour, strong pungency, and excellent storage life for bulk global buyers.
We specialize in exporting fresh, clean, and high-grade onions worldwide from our base at the New Sardar Vegetable Market, Surat, Gujarat. Our supply chain is designed to keep the produce properly cured, sorted, graded, and packed, meeting international quality, phytosanitary, and packaging standards on every shipment.
Why Source Onions from India
India's soil and climate support large-scale onion cultivation across multiple seasons, and Indian onions are prized for their pungent flavour, firm texture, high dry matter, and long storage life. This combination, along with competitive pricing, makes Indian onions popular in markets around the world.
- India is the world's second-largest onion-producing country, after China
- Multiple crop cycles deliver dependable, year-round availability
- Competitive pricing with consistent export-grade quality
- Strong demand across the Gulf, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe
- An enabling export environment for registered agri-exporters through APEDA
Why Choose Us - Quality Sourcing from Gujarat
From farm to port, our operations are built around freshness, traceability, and quality control, so buyers receive a dependable product, order after order.
Direct Farm & Mandi Sourcing
We source directly from progressive farmers and leading mandi arrivals across the Surat region and the major onion belts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Buying close to the source ensures fresh harvests, verified quality, and competitive wholesale pricing.
Quality Standards & Curing
Our fresh onions undergo proper curing, sorting, grading, and quality checks before packing. Damaged, sprouted, or sub-par bulbs are discarded, and only uniform-size, firm, well-cured, export-grade onions are packed and shipped.
Production Hubs & Trade Details
Major onion-producing states include Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Rajasthan. Our trade is anchored at the New Sardar Vegetable Market, Surat, Gujarat, one of the region's principal wholesale vegetable markets.
Global Market Outlook for Onions
Onions are among the most widely consumed vegetables in the world, used daily in fresh, processed, and value-added forms. Demand is especially strong in Bangladesh, Malaysia, the UAE, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and the wider Gulf region.
Market Size & Growth
According to market research reports, the global onion market was valued at approximately USD 47 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach about USD 68 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 4%. India and China together account for nearly half of global onion consumption.
Note: Market-size estimates vary by scope (fresh, dry, and processed onions) and by publisher, so re-verify current trade statistics before quoting in contracts.
HS Code for Onion Export
Fresh and chilled onions fall under Chapter 07 (Edible Vegetables) of the Harmonized System. Fresh onions are exported under HS code 0703 10 (Indian tariff line 07031010). Related codes for other forms are listed below.
| Product Form | HS Code | Description |
| Fresh or chilled onions | 0703 10 / 07031010 | Onions, fresh or chilled; India's 8-digit tariff line 07031010 (07031019 for other onions) |
| Shallots | 07031020 | Shallots, fresh or chilled |
| Dried onions | 071220 | Dried onions, whole, cut, sliced, broken or in powder form |
| Onion powder or flakes | 07129090 | Dried other vegetables and mixtures of vegetables |
Leading Onion-Producing States in India
According to the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, India produced about 24.2 million tonnes of onions in 2023-24. Maharashtra is the largest producer, with a share of around 35%, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
| State | Production (2023-24) | Approx. Share |
| Maharashtra | 8.60 million tonnes | 35.45% |
| Madhya Pradesh | 4.17 million tonnes | 17.17% |
| Gujarat | 2.06 million tonnes | ~8% |
| Karnataka | 1.64 million tonnes | ~7% |
| Rajasthan | 1.63 million tonnes | ~7% |
| Bihar | 1.39 million tonnes | ~6% |
Other notable producers include West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh. Source: APEDA / Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India (2023-24).
Key Export Destinations & Global Importers
Indian onions are exported to more than 40 countries. The most active markets are Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Nepal, and Kuwait, with growing demand across the Gulf and Southeast Asia.
- South Asia: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal
- Middle East / Gulf: UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia
- Southeast Asia: Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam
- Other markets: Maldives, the United Kingdom, and European markets
According to UN Comtrade data, India exported around 894,000 tonnes of fresh onions and shallots worth about USD 416 million in 2024. In 2025-26, total onion exports rose to around 1.5 million tonnes, with Malaysia, the UAE, and Sri Lanka among the leading destinations.
Onion Varieties & Size Grades
Available Varieties
- Red onion (including Nashik Red)
- White onion
- Pink / light-red onion
- Bangalore Rose onion
- Krishnapuram onion
- Export-quality storage onion
Available Size Grades
| Grade | Diameter |
| Small | 25-40 mm |
| Medium | 40-55 mm |
| Large | 55-70 mm |
| Jumbo | 70 mm and above |
Custom grading is available according to buyer specifications and destination-market requirements.
Harvest Seasons & Crop Cycle
India produces onions across multiple growing seasons, which ensures continuous availability through the year.
- Kharif crop: harvested from October to December
- Late Kharif crop: harvested from January to March
- Rabi crop: harvested from March to May (best for long-term storage and export)
Rabi onions offer the longest storage life and form the backbone of India's year-round onion export programme.
Health Benefits & Nutritional Profile
Onions are low in calories and rich in antioxidants and plant compounds. The values below are for raw onions per 100 grams, based on USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy).
| Nutrient | Amount per 100 g |
| Energy | 40 kcal |
| Protein | 1.10 g |
| Total fat | 0.10 g |
| Carbohydrate | 9.34 g |
| Dietary fibre | 1.7 g |
| Total sugars | 4.24 g |
| Calcium | 23 mg |
| Iron | 0.21 mg |
| Potassium | 146 mg |
| Vitamin C | 7.4 mg |
Rich in Antioxidants
Onions are a good source of quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant, and red and purple varieties also contain anthocyanins. These compounds contribute to the vegetable's strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and onions are naturally low in calories, fat-free, and a useful source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, and potassium. (Sources: USDA FoodData Central; Healthline.)
Culinary Versatility
Pungent, firm, and intensely flavoured, Indian onions are a staple in curries, gravies, salads, fried preparations, and the food-processing industry, which makes them a dependable import across global cuisines.
Packaging & Logistics
Packaging Options
- 5 kg, 10 kg, and 20 kg mesh bags
- 25 kg and 50 kg jumbo or PP woven bags
- Ventilated corrugated cartons
- Retail-ready netted packs and private label packaging on request
Storage & Cold Chain
- Proper curing (3-5% weight loss) before storage or export
- Ambient storage at 30-35°C with 65-70% relative humidity
- Long-term cold storage at 0-2°C with 60-75% relative humidity
- Well-ventilated, dry, and shaded storage structures
Recommended Shipping Modes
- Dry ventilated containers for most fresh onion shipments
- Refrigerated containers where temperature control is specified
- Bulk loading in jumbo bags for large-volume contracts
- Continuous ventilation and temperature monitoring during transit
Our Export Process
- Sourcing directly from farms or local mandi arrivals.
- Curing, manual sorting, grading, and quality verification.
- Packaging in mesh bags, jumbo bags, or ventilated cartons.
- Ventilated or cold-chain logistics and customs clearance documentation.
- Global shipment via sea containers or air cargo to the destination port.
Export Documentation
Documents Prepared During Shipment
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading / Air Waybill
- Shipping Bill
- Phytosanitary Certificate
- Certificate of Origin
- Fumigation Certificate (where applicable)
- APEDA Registration (RCMC)
These documents are sent to the buyer by courier and are required for the buyer to clear the goods at destination. We dispatch the documents only after receiving the agreed payment terms.
Government Incentives & Export Benefits
Indian agri-exporters can access incentives such as RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products). RoDTEP rates are product-specific, set by DGFT for each tariff item, and revised periodically. APEDA also provides financial assistance, quality certification support, and market-development programmes to registered exporters.
Onion export policy changes frequently with domestic market conditions. After an export ban from December 2023 to May 2024, followed by a period of minimum export price (MEP) and export duty, the government removed the 20% export duty with effect from April 1, 2025. As of mid-2026, onion exports from India are free of export duty and MEP. Since restrictions can be reintroduced at short notice to protect domestic prices, confirm the current policy with your customs broker or DGFT before quoting.
Market Price & Wholesale Inquiries
Competitive wholesale mandi rates are updated daily based on New Sardar Vegetable Market, Surat price trends and benchmark markets such as Lasalgaon in Maharashtra. Since onion prices move with daily arrivals, season, and destination freight, contact us for today's live rate and a quotation tailored to your volume, grade, packaging, and destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for onion export from India?
Fresh or chilled onions are exported under HS code 0703 10 (India's 8-digit tariff line 07031010). Shallots fall under 07031020, dried onions under 071220, and onion powder or flakes under 07129090.
Which countries import onions from India?
Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Nepal, and Kuwait are the leading destinations, with strong demand across the Gulf region, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
Which state is the largest producer of onions in India?
Maharashtra is the largest producer, accounting for around 35% of India's onion output in 2023-24, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Rajasthan.
How should fresh onions be shipped for export?
Fresh onions are generally shipped in dry ventilated containers to allow airflow and prevent moisture build-up. Refrigerated containers can be used where temperature control is specified, and proper curing before packing is essential to protect shelf life.
What is the shelf life of export-grade onions?
Properly cured, export-grade onions can store for 3 to 7 months under ambient ventilated storage and up to around 9 months under controlled cold storage at 0-2°C, depending on variety and curing quality.
What documents are included in an onion export shipment?
Every shipment includes a complete documentation set: commercial invoice, packing list, shipping bill, phytosanitary certificate, certificate of origin, bill of lading, and fumigation certificate where applicable, so buyers can clear goods smoothly at their destination port.
References & Data Sources
- APEDA, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India - fresh onions export data, destination shares, and production statistics
- Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India - onion production by state (2023-24) and horticulture estimates
- World Bank WITS / UN Comtrade - India HS 070310 export values and volumes (2024)
- DGFT, Govt. of India - Import Export Code, ITC(HS) classification, and export policy notifications for onions
- PIB / Department of Consumer Affairs - onion export duty and MEP timeline (2023-2025)
- USDA FoodData Central - nutritional profile of raw onions
- Market research reports (2024-25) - global onion market valued at approximately USD 47 billion in 2024, growing at roughly 4% CAGR toward about USD 68 billion by 2033
Note: Production, export, and market-size figures vary by source and reporting period. Verify current trade statistics, policy status, and incentive rates with official sources before finalizing commercial agreements.
