Whether you’re a wholesaler in Southeast Asia, a distributor in Africa, or a food processing company in the Middle East, understanding the real cost of buying bulk onions is critical to ensuring profitability.
This article walks you through the complete cost breakdown, based on the typical export prices of Chinese onions—especially from Shandong Province, which is one of the world’s largest onion export hubs.
1. Base Price: FOB Shandong, China (Qingdao Port)
| Onion Type | Size | FOB Price (USD/ton) | Peak Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yellow Onion | 5–7 cm | $180–220 | May–July |
| Red Onion | 6–8 cm | $190–230 | June–August |
| White Onion | 6–9 cm | $220–260 | July–Sept |
Packaging: 10kg/20kg mesh bags
Load capacity: 24–27 tons per 40-foot container
📌 Source: Export data from major onion suppliers in Shandong, Qingdao Port Customs reports
2. Real Buyer Case Studies: Cost Scenarios by Country
🇮🇳 India Buyer – Imports for Repacking & Local Sale
Quantity: 1×40HQ container
FOB Price: $190/ton (red onion)
Freight: $850
Inland cost (clearance, trucking): $280
Local storage for 2 weeks: $3/ton/week
Estimated loss (humidity & shrinkage): 5%
Total Landed Cost:
| Item | Value (USD/ton) |
|---|---|
| FOB | $190 |
| Freight (avg per ton) | $35 |
| Inland + storage | $20 |
| Loss Adjustment (5%) | $9.75 |
| Total | ≈ $255/ton |
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Buyer – Wholesale to Retail Markets
Red onions, 6–8cm
Freight: $1,250/container
Higher storage costs due to desert climate ($6/ton/week)
Shelf life target: 4 weeks
Extra spoilage risk: 7%
Total: ~ $280–310/ton
🇰🇪 Kenya Buyer – For Fresh Market Sale
Yellow onions, 5–7cm
Freight: $2,500/container
Weak infrastructure: port clearance delay (extra 3 days)
Loss: 10–12% including rot
Handling & local distribution: $30/ton
Total Landed Cost: $320–360/ton
3. Post-Arrival Cost Factors to Consider
| Cost Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Packaging | Mesh bags, custom printing adds cost |
| Inland Freight | Port to warehouse transport |
| Cold Storage | $2–6/ton/week depending on country |
| Spoilage & Shrinkage | 3–10%, varies by transit time & humidity |
| Labeling & Handling | Optional for retail-ready packaging |
4. Realistic Price Benchmark vs Other Countries
| Country | Export Price/ton (USD) | Avg Freight to Asia | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| China 🇨🇳 | $180–230 | $800–1,300 | Low cost + stable supply |
| India 🇮🇳 | $220–280 | $700–1,200 | Seasonal price spikes |
| Egypt 🇪🇬 | $230–300 | $900–1,400 | Higher cost + desert storage needed |
| Netherlands 🇳🇱 | $300–400 | $1,200–2,000 | High-end market, premium onions |
Chinese Shandong onions are one of the most price-competitive globally, with massive volumes, reliable ports, and flexible packaging options.
5. Onion Specification Options
Size: 4–6cm, 5–7cm, 6–8cm, 7–9cm
Color: Yellow / Red / White
Skin: Double dry skin or single skin
Packaging: 5kg, 10kg, 20kg mesh bags
Label: OEM brand / plain / custom barcodes
6. Export Advantages of Shandong Onions
High production: over 1 million tons annually
Proximity to Qingdao Port (major shipping hub)
Export-oriented farms and suppliers
Certificates: Phytosanitary, Global GAP, ISO 9001
Regular buyers from:
Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman
South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania
Smart Buying Starts with Smart Cost Analysis
Buying bulk onions isn’t just about the price per ton — it’s about understanding the full picture, including freight, storage, spoilage, and import handling.
Chinese Shandong onions offer unbeatable value when managed properly, especially for importers who:
Buy in-season (May–August)
Know their local spoilage and transport risks
Optimize container loads to reduce per-ton freight
📌 Need a Custom Quote?
We can help you calculate the exact landed cost to your country, provide recent CIF pricing, and suggest the right onion size/type for your market.
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