By: Bawang Merah Indonesia<\/strong> Indonesian shallots are gaining increasing recognition in the global market. With their distinctive flavor, varied sizes, and continuously improving quality, shallots from the Indonesian archipelago have successfully penetrated markets across multiple countries.<\/p>\n The year 2026 looks promising for Indonesian shallot exports. Demand from neighboring countries continues to rise, while new markets are beginning to open up. So, which countries are the main export destinations for Indonesian shallots?<\/p>\n Let’s explore the complete list!<\/p>\n Malaysia remains the number one export destination for Indonesian shallots. Geographic proximity, similar culinary preferences, and long-established trade relations make Malaysia the most stable market.<\/p>\n Export data to Malaysia (2025\u20132026 estimate):<\/strong> Driving factors:<\/strong> Reference:<\/strong> Statistics Indonesia (BPS) \u2014 Horticulture Export Data 2024\u20132025<\/p>\n Thailand is the second-largest importer of Indonesian shallots. Although Thailand is also a shallot producer, local production often falls short of domestic demand.<\/p>\n Export data to Thailand (2025\u20132026 estimate):<\/strong> Driving factors:<\/strong> Reference:<\/strong> Ministry of Trade of Indonesia \u2014 Indonesia-Thailand Trade Balance<\/p>\n Although export volume to Singapore is smaller than Malaysia, the per-kilogram value is higher. Singapore is a premium market\u2014consumers are willing to pay more for top quality.<\/p>\n Export data to Singapore (2025\u20132026 estimate):<\/strong> Driving factors:<\/strong> Reference:<\/strong> Singapore Food Agency (SFA) \u2014 Food Import Statistics<\/p>\n Vietnam has emerged as a significant export market for Indonesian shallots over the past 3\u20134 years. This market is growing rapidly alongside Vietnam’s processed food industry expansion.<\/p>\n Export data to Vietnam (2025\u20132026 estimate):<\/strong> Driving factors:<\/strong> Reference:<\/strong> Ministry of Trade of Indonesia \u2014 Regional Export Report 2025<\/p>\n Timor Leste is a consistent export destination for Indonesian shallots. Although volumes are still limited, this market shows steady growth.<\/p>\n Export data to Timor Leste (2025\u20132026 estimate):<\/strong> Driving factors:<\/strong> Japan is a challenging yet promising market. Quality standards are extremely high, but selling prices are also very competitive.<\/p>\n Export data to Japan (2025\u20132026 estimate):<\/strong> Driving factors:<\/strong> Beyond the six countries above, several other markets are showing interest in Indonesian shallots:<\/p>\n Several challenges need to be addressed to boost exports:<\/p>\n Bawang Merah Indonesia<\/strong> is ready to support your shallot export needs to various destination countries. With our farmer network, international quality standards, and over 30 years of experience, we are the right partner for your business.<\/p>\n
\nTrusted shallot supplier since 1995<\/em><\/p>\n
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\n1. Malaysia \u2014 The Largest and Most Strategic Market<\/h2>\n
\n– Export volume: 30,000\u201340,000 tons\/year
\n– Export value: IDR 400\u2013500 billion\/year
\n– Market share: ~45\u201350% of total Indonesian shallot exports<\/p>\n
\n– Malaysia cannot meet its own shallot consumption needs
\n– The food and culinary industry (nasi lemak, soto, rendang) heavily depends on shallots
\n– Singapore\u2013Malaysia logistics routes are highly efficient<\/p>\n
\n2. Thailand \u2014 Steady Year-Round Demand<\/h2>\n
\n– Export volume: 15,000\u201320,000 tons\/year
\n– Export value: IDR 200\u2013280 billion\/year<\/p>\n
\n– Thailand’s dry season reduces local production
\n– Indonesian shallots from Brebes have a stronger aroma, preferred by Thailand’s food industry
\n– ASEAN trade agreements provide competitive import tariffs<\/p>\n
\n3. Singapore \u2014 Premium Market with High Purchasing Power<\/h2>\n
\n– Export volume: 3,000\u20135,000 tons\/year
\n– Export value: IDR 75\u2013120 billion\/year
\n– Selling price: 20\u201330% higher than export prices to Malaysia<\/p>\n
\n– Singapore’s strong economy and high purchasing power
\n– The upscale food service and restaurant industry requires stable supply
\n– Strict quality requirements push Indonesian exporters to raise standards<\/p>\n
\n4. Vietnam \u2014 Rapidly Growing New Market<\/h2>\n
\n– Export volume: 5,000\u20138,000 tons\/year
\n– Export value: IDR 70\u2013110 billion\/year
\n– Annual growth: 15\u201320% per year<\/p>\n
\n– Vietnam’s processed food industry is expanding rapidly
\n– Indonesian shallots are considered higher quality than local Vietnamese varieties
\n– Indonesia-Vietnam trade relations are strengthening in the ASEAN era<\/p>\n
\n5. Timor Leste \u2014 Small Market with Big Potential<\/h2>\n
\n– Export volume: 2,000\u20133,000 tons\/year
\n– Export value: IDR 25\u201340 billion\/year<\/p>\n
\n– Timor Leste lacks adequate local shallot production
\n– Geographic proximity to East Nusa Tenggara facilitates logistics
\n– Improving bilateral relations<\/p>\n
\n6. Japan \u2014 Promising Future Export Market<\/h2>\n
\n– Export volume: 500\u20131,000 tons\/year (still in early stages)
\n– Export value: IDR 25\u201350 billion\/year
\n– Growth potential: very high if food safety standards are met<\/p>\n
\n– Japan imports 80% of its shallot needs
\n– Indonesian Rubaru variety (large size) is favored in the Japanese market
\n– Indonesia-Japan bilateral agricultural cooperation is intensifying<\/p>\n
\nExport Destination Comparison<\/h2>\n
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\n \nCountry<\/th>\n Volume (tons\/year)<\/th>\n Value (IDR billion)<\/th>\n Market Character<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n Malaysia<\/td>\n 30,000\u201340,000<\/td>\n 400\u2013500<\/td>\n Mass, stable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Thailand<\/td>\n 15,000\u201320,000<\/td>\n 200\u2013280<\/td>\n Seasonal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Singapore<\/td>\n 3,000\u20135,000<\/td>\n 75\u2013120<\/td>\n Premium<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Vietnam<\/td>\n 5,000\u20138,000<\/td>\n 70\u2013110<\/td>\n Growing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Timor Leste<\/td>\n 2,000\u20133,000<\/td>\n 25\u201340<\/td>\n Small, stable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Japan<\/td>\n 500\u20131,000<\/td>\n 25\u201350<\/td>\n Potential<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\nExport Opportunities to Other Countries<\/h2>\n
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\nChallenges in Indonesian Shallot Exports<\/h2>\n
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\nReady to Export? We Can Help!<\/h2>\n