Introduction – Thailand’s Onion Market: A Quantitative Overview
Thailand may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of onions, but it’s been making some serious moves in the global onion trade. In recent years, the Thai onion industry has experienced significant shifts in production, imports, and exports—signaling both challenges and opportunities.
In 2022, Thailand produced approximately 36,300 metric tons of dry onions. While that may seem modest, it’s a slight increase from the previous year and a step in the right direction. Historically, Thailand’s peak production was 316,000 metric tons back in 1997. As of the latest stats, Thailand ranks 90th out of 133 countries in dry onion production.
Imports tell a more dynamic story. In 2024, Thailand imported 140,000 tons of dry onions and shallots—a whopping 34% jump from the previous year. These imports were valued at $44 million. China led the supplier list, followed by Myanmar and Australia. Interestingly, Australia’s onion exports to Thailand have grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 84.1% between 2014 and 2023.
On the export side, things are heating up. Between November 2023 and October 2024, Thailand shipped out 1,027 onion consignments—a 79% increase compared to the previous 12 months. These exports were valued at around $20 million, with major buyers including the United States, Vietnam, and Bangladesh.
So, while Thailand holds a relatively small 0.4% share in the global onion export market, it’s becoming a country to watch. Whether you’re a buyer looking for reliable suppliers or a trader evaluating new markets, Thailand’s onion sector offers both value and growth potential. And platforms like Freshdi help you navigate this evolving landscape with real-time insights, supplier verification, and RFQ trends.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Demand Insights
Let’s break down the numbers a bit more to understand what’s really going on in Thailand’s onion sector.
Production Trends
Thailand’s onion output in 2022 was about 36,300 metric tons. This marks only a slight increase from the previous year, but it’s worth noting how far the country has come since its peak production of 316,000 metric tons in 1997. Clearly, domestic production has cooled over the past two decades, possibly due to land-use changes, climate, or shifting agricultural priorities.
Import Dynamics
With limited domestic production, Thailand has increasingly relied on imports to meet its growing demand. As of 2024, onion imports hit 140,000 tons—a 34% increase year-on-year. The import bill stood at $44 million, with China (65%), Myanmar (12%), and Australia (10%) as the top contributors. Australia’s rapid growth in this space is noteworthy, showing a CAGR of 84.1% from 2014 to 2023.
Export Growth
Despite modest production, Thailand has managed to carve out a niche in the global market. From November 2023 to October 2024, the country exported over 1,000 shipments—a 79% surge. These onions primarily went to the U.S., Vietnam, and Bangladesh, bringing in about $20 million in revenue.
Demand Signals
On platforms like Freshdi, RFQ (Request for Quotation) volumes for Thai onions have also increased, mirroring the rise in exports and demand. Buyers are actively sourcing Thai onions due to their competitive pricing, freshness, and logistical efficiency. Freshdi’s real-time RFQ data helps buyers identify high-performing suppliers and seasonal trends.
Top 7 Verified Onion Suppliers in Thailand – Proven Export Performers
Now, let’s talk about the real MVPs—the suppliers who are crushing it. These suppliers have been handpicked based on their verified performance data, certifications, global reach, and buyer reviews on Freshdi.
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Agriculture Is Life Co., Ltd.
Known for their high-quality spring onions, this supplier has consistently delivered fresh produce to various international markets. Their streamlined logistics and attention to quality control make them a top choice. -
TREVEX INTER COMPANY LIMITED
Specializing in premium red onions, TREVEX is famous for competitive pricing and timely deliveries. Their products are well-packaged and meet global food safety standards. -
UNIVERSAL AGRIC PRODUCTS COMPANY LIMITED
Offering a wide variety of onion types—yellow, red, and white—this supplier provides flexible packaging options and bulk availability, ideal for wholesale buyers. -
S.F.M. International Trading Co., Ltd.
Focused on the export of spring onions, S.F.M. is well-regarded for freshness and adherence to international export standards. -
Thai Harvest Export Co. Ltd.
Although newer in the field, this supplier has gained traction due to excellent customer service and responsive communication. -
Royal Thai Agri Co. Ltd.
With a strong domestic network, this company bridges local producers and international buyers efficiently. -
Green Valley Produce Thailand
Their focus on organic and sustainable onion farming has made them a preferred supplier for eco-conscious markets.
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind that platforms like Freshdi regularly update rankings through features like “Suppliers of the Month” or “Top Exporters of the Quarter.” These dynamic lists are based on real-time trade volume, RFQ responses, and buyer reviews. So, if you’re sourcing, check back often for the latest and greatest.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Price Insights & Export Dynamics
The onion market in Thailand is anything but static. It ebbs and flows based on global demand, seasonal cycles, and even weather patterns.
Variant-Specific Demand
Not all onions are created equal. Spring onions, red onions, and shallots each serve different culinary and industrial needs. On Freshdi, RFQ data shows a spike in demand for red onions during the first quarter of 2025, particularly from Southeast Asian countries and the Middle East, where spicy and colorful dishes are popular.
Seasonal Pricing Fluctuations
Prices typically rise when new crops enter the market, only to fall once supply increases or storage onions begin to deteriorate. Early 2025 saw a temporary price hike due to demand outpacing supply. However, as fresh harvests rolled in, prices stabilized.
Buyers can use platforms like Freshdi for historical pricing data, which helps forecast when to buy or hold off.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
Thailand’s onion market might not be the biggest, but it’s definitely one of the most dynamic. The country is successfully balancing domestic demand with export growth, even while dealing with limited production capacity.
The key takeaway? Choose suppliers based on performance data, not just price. Look for consistent exporters, verified certifications, and responsive customer service.
Platforms like Freshdi make this job easier by offering:
– Real-time RFQ volumes
– Verified supplier lists
– Export performance analytics
– Dynamic rankings
– Market intelligence reports
Whether you’re a seasoned importer or just dipping your toes in the onion game, using data-backed tools will give you the edge you need.
Key Takeaways
- Thailand imported 140,000 tons of onions in 2024, mainly from China, Myanmar, and Australia.
- Export shipments grew by 79% between November 2023 and October 2024.
- Freshdi is a must-use platform for supplier verification and understanding RFQ trends.
- Top suppliers include Agriculture Is Life Co., Ltd., TREVEX, and UNIVERSAL AGRIC PRODUCTS.
- Seasonal and variant-specific demand should guide your purchasing decisions.
Buyer’s Checklist – Onion Sourcing from Thailand
✅ Verify certifications on Freshdi
✅ Compare RFQ volumes for current demand
✅ Monitor seasonal price trends
✅ Choose suppliers with documented export history
✅ Consider variant-specific preferences (e.g., red vs. spring onions)
Future Outlook
Thailand’s onion market is likely to continue growing, both in terms of imports and exports. While domestic production may remain limited, the country’s logistical advantage and improving export infrastructure make it an attractive player in the global onion trade.
Platforms like Freshdi will play a crucial role in shaping this future by offering transparency, data access, and supplier-buyer connectivity.
References
- helgilibrary.com – Thailand Onion Production
- indexbox.io – Thailand Onion Imports 2024
- volza.com – Onion Export from Thailand
- worldstopexports.com – Global Onion Export Rankings
- freshplaza.com – Recent Onion Price Trends
- indexbox.io – Asia-Pacific Onion Market
FAQs
1. Why is Thailand importing so many onions if it also exports them?
Thailand’s domestic production isn’t enough to meet local demand. Imports fill this gap, while exports focus on niche markets and premium onion varieties.
2. What types of onions are most in demand from Thailand?
Red onions and spring onions are popular export items. Demand varies by region and season.
3. How can I verify an onion supplier from Thailand?
Use trusted B2B platforms like Freshdi, which provide supplier verification, performance metrics, and buyer reviews.
4. Are Thai onions competitively priced?
Yes, especially when sourced in bulk. Seasonal fluctuations can affect prices, so timing your purchase is key.
5. What makes Freshdi different from other sourcing platforms?
Freshdi offers real-time RFQ trends, dynamic supplier rankings, detailed export data, and verified supplier profiles—all tailored to the fresh produce industry.