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Egypt’s onion calendar is built around a spring bulb harvest that lands just as Europe’s stored onions run low — and before its new crop is ready. With curing and cold-dry storage, that window stretches well beyond the harvest. This guide sets out the Egyptian onion export season month by month.
Quick answer: The Egyptian onion export season runs roughly February to July, built on the spring bulb harvest, with cured, cold-dry storage extending availability afterwards. New-crop supply reaches Europe before its own onions are ready (~July/August), making Egypt a key counter-seasonal source. (Bulb harvest runs roughly March–May; exact monthly windows shift year to year with planting and weather.)
Table of Contents
How the Egyptian onion year works
Onion seedlings are transplanted over the winter, and the main dry-bulb crop is harvested across spring. Early spring/green onions open the season; the main golden and red bulb harvest follows and supplies the bulk of exports. After harvest, well-cured bulbs move into cold, dry storage, keeping Egypt in the market later in the year.
The Egyptian onion export calendar
Windows below are typical and shift with planting and weather — confirm your program window with your supplier before booking.
| Month | Availability | Main destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | Early new-crop begins | Gulf, early EU |
| Mar–Apr | Main harvest ramps; quality strong | EU, Gulf, Russia, UK |
| May–Jun | Peak main crop | EU, UK, Gulf, Asia |
| July | Harvest tail; storage begins | Gulf, Asia |
| Aug–Dec | From cured, cold-dry storage | Gulf, Asia, regional |
Why the timing matters for Europe
Europe’s own onions are stored through winter and lose quality by spring, while the new EU crop is not ready until around July/August. Egypt’s spring new-crop fills exactly that gap — a structural advantage that makes Egyptian onions a reliable bridge for EU buyers in the first half of the year.
Planning notes
- Volume programs: anchor on the March–June main crop, when supply and quality peak.
- EU bridge: target the spring window before the EU new crop arrives.
- Extended supply: use cured, cold-dry storage for Gulf and Asian programs later in the year.
- Export policy: as of early 2026, Egyptian onion exports are open under normal conditions, but the government periodically imposes temporary bans or restrictions to protect domestic supply and stabilise local prices (most recently a multi-month ban from October 2023, eased through 2024). Confirm the current export-policy status before contracting.
Frequently asked questions
When are Egyptian onions in season for export?
Roughly February to July, based on the spring bulb harvest, with cured, cold-dry storage extending availability afterwards.
When is peak supply?
The main crop peaks around March to June.
Why do EU buyers rely on Egyptian onions in spring?
European stored onions lose quality by spring and the EU new crop isn’t ready until about July/August, so Egypt’s new-crop bridges the gap.
Can Egypt supply onions later in the year?
Yes – cured, cold-dry storage extends availability for Gulf and Asian programs beyond the fresh harvest.
Do export windows change year to year?
Yes – planting and weather shift the dates, so confirm the program window with your supplier.
How to cite this page
PEI Trade. “Egyptian Onion Export Season & Calendar.” peitrade.com, 2026. https://peitrade.com/egyptian-onion-export-season/
Sources
- CBI / USDA FAS — EU onion import windows and counter-seasonal demand.
- FAO; Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture — onion harvest timing and export windows.
This page is part of our Egyptian Onion Export Guide hub.
Plan your Egyptian onion program with PEI Trade. Spring new-crop and stored supply to EU, Gulf, UK, Russian and Asian buyers, with GLOBALG.A.P. handling and full documentation. Contact: sales@peitrade.com · WhatsApp +20 109 911 1918 · www.peitrade.com