Senegal’s Ministry of Industry and Trade officially announced on Monday the lifting of the temporary freeze on onion imports, bringing an end to a regulatory hold first implemented on January 16, 2026.
The initial restriction had been put in place to prioritize the distribution of domestic harvests and safeguard market opportunities for local smallholder farmers during the peak production season.
Following more than seven months of protectionist market regulation, the government confirmed that changing local supply dynamics prompted the decision to reopen import channels. By lifting the freeze, authorities aim to ensure a steady, adequate supply across national markets while stabilizing retail prices for consumers.
Importers have been instructed to coordinate directly with the Market Regulation Agency to facilitate a smooth resumption of trade. Calling on all industry stakeholders to maintain professional compliance, the ministry noted that local market availability is now sufficient to allow external imports without compromising domestic producers.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA