"From 2015 to 2016, China's garlic export boom stimulated national garlic farmers to expand their production and gave overseas farmers business opportunities. Even some farmers who used to plant other vegetables have turned to grow garlic. Since 2017 to the present moment, there is a bleak situation on the garlic export market, which carries potential risks," said a Chinese garlic exporter in an interview with the Global Fruit and Vegetable Network.
Garlic farmer is sorting garlic
Garlic for export
"A new garlic season has begun. At the same time, a lot of garlic from such countries as Dominica, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have entered the market. Chinese garlic export prices couldn't be lower, and lower prices bring more orders and boosts exports, but this year exports are still significantly lower than last year."
Garlic for export
"At the current time, we have the increased garlic production and have full warehouses. Add to that the trade protection policies of some overseas countries and, according to my estimation, the export price of garlic will continue to decline. The outlook for the next two years will not be optimistic. Our garlic growers must take the initiative to reduce the planting area and to lower the prices, otherwise, the situation will turn into a market disaster."
Workers are sorting garlic
"Over the years, China's garlic has been exported to countries all over the world. The export volume to the Southeast Asian market is the largest, and the export volume to the European market is the smallest. Our garlic is mainly exported through Qingdao Port, under its own brand. The main importers are Central and South America, Southeast Asia and Europe."