Top Onion and Shallot Producing Countries

Onions and shallots, both members of the Allium genus, have been cultivated for thousands of years, with origins traced back to Central Asia, Iran, and Pakistan. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans valued onions for their culinary and medicinal properties, and their cultivation spread along trade routes into Europe, Africa, and Asia. Today, the top producers of onions and shallots are China, India, and the United States, with China and India together accounting for more than half of the world’s output. Other significant producers include Egypt, Turkey, and Iran. These countries benefit from suitable climates, large agricultural sectors, and strong domestic and export markets. The global spread and ongoing development of onion and shallot farming reflect their enduring importance in diets and cuisines worldwide, as well as advances in agricultural practices and crop varieties.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat