Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s Senegal is taking measures to protect its onion production: stopping imports.
Indeed, the Market Regulation Agency (ARM) has just announced a freeze on onion imports from January 25, 2025.
The reason for this suspension turns out to be the promotion of local production.
Better yet, it wants to promote the sale of local harvests and regulate the national market, in a context where the first harvests are expected in February.
The suspension of onion imports; a measure to support agriculture in Senegal
First of all, you should know that onions are an important agricultural product in Senegal.
In 2023, national production was estimated at 400,000 tonnes, for national needs of 380,000 tonnes.
However, competition from imported onions, which are often cheaper, can put local producers in difficulty.
It is in this context that the ARM decided to suspend onion imports.
-This measure therefore aims to guarantee remunerative prices to Senegalese producers and to encourage the development of local agriculture.
It also comes in the run-up to several religious festivals, during which the demand for onions is particularly strong.
Potential consequences on prices and availability
The freeze on imports could have an impact on onion prices.
If local production is not sufficient to meet demand, prices could increase.
However, ARM assures that the first harvests, expected in February, will cover market needs.
It is therefore possible that this measure will have a stabilizing effect on prices, avoiding a surge in prices linked to strong demand.
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