Brazil: April records peak in onion imports

In April, in fact, there was an increase in foreign onion shipments to Brazil. According to Comex Stat, the volume received in April/25 was nearly 30,000 tons, 54% more than in March, but 65% less than the same month in 2024. Of the total received, 78% was Argentine product and almost 22% was Chilean, in addition to a modest portion of Peruvian onions.

Hortifrúti/Cepea employees reported that the volume from Argentina was not higher due to the rains in the country’s growing regions, combined with logistical issues and holidays. However, they also emphasized that the bulbs have begun to lose quality.

It’s typical for there to be an increase in the entry of imported goods in April, precisely because it’s Brazil’s off-season: as the South is practically closed, the Northeast begins to gain momentum, and the Cerrado and São Paulo are preparing for the start of harvests. The volume from abroad is expected to decline in May and be even lower in June. However, it’s worth noting that there are still large quantities of onions in both Argentina and Chile, which could limit significant price increases in Brazil until mid-June.