Indian Red Onions: A Commercial Buyer's Guide
Published by Assurex International Traders3 min read
The short answer
Indian red onions are traded fresh, graded by size band, colour and condition, and usually packed in mesh bags. Prices depend on the market price of the grade, quantity, packing, trade term, freight and any export measures in force. Buyers should agree the specification, packing, handling and documents — including the phytosanitary certificate — in writing before shipment.
Why Indian red onions?
India is one of the world's largest onion producers, and its red onions are a familiar product in markets across South Asia, the Gulf and Southeast Asia. Production is spread across several states, with Maharashtra — including the Nashik district — among the best-known growing regions.
Seasons and supply
Indian onions come from more than one crop season, and onions from different harvests can differ in size, colour and storage life. Supply and prices therefore change through the year. A buyer planning regular purchases should expect specifications and prices to be confirmed shipment by shipment.
How onions are graded
Onions are primarily graded by:
- size band — diameter in millimetres
- colour — light red to dark red skins
- condition — dry necks, firm bulbs, intact outer skins
- defect tolerances — sprouting, rot, damage, doubles
See onion grades and size specifications for how to write these into a specification.
Packing
Mesh bags are the standard export packing because they let air move around the bulbs. Bag weights such as 18 kg and 20 kg are common, but the options available should always be confirmed with the supplier.
What determines the price?
There is no single "onion price". A quotation is built from several components:
- Market price of the grade at the time of purchase, which moves with harvests and demand.
- Grading and packing — tighter size bands and specific bags cost more.
- Inland transport to the port of loading.
- Trade term — FOB prices exclude ocean freight; CFR and CIF include it.
- Export measures — at times India has applied minimum export prices, export duties or temporary restrictions to onions.
- Documentation and inspection costs.
Because these components change, onion quotations carry short validity periods.
Export policy
Indian onion exports have been subject to government measures in recent years, including duties and temporary restrictions. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade publishes export policy notifications. Always confirm the policy in force when you contract.
Documents
Typical documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, transport document, certificate of origin and a phytosanitary certificate issued through India's plant protection organisation. Your destination may require more. Read our introduction to export documentation.
Transit and handling
Onions are perishable. Their condition on arrival depends on curing, harvest timing, container ventilation or temperature settings, voyage length and handling. Agree the handling plan in writing and be cautious of any supplier promising a fixed shelf life regardless of conditions.
Next steps
See our Indian red onions page or prepare an onion enquiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do onion prices change so quickly?
Onion prices respond to harvest size, weather, storage stocks, domestic demand and policy measures. Quotations therefore carry short validity periods.
Can onion exports from India be suspended?
Yes, India has at times restricted onion exports temporarily. The policy in force at the time of contracting must be checked.
Sources and Further Reading
- Directorate General of Foreign Trade — export policy
- Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage
This article is general information for commercial buyers. It is not legal, customs, tax or financial advice. Regulations change — confirm current requirements with the relevant authority.
