Data from Zhuochuang Information shows that the price of garlic began to fluctuate, with an overall upward trend, in early March. The price went through three or four major fluctuations in only one month. The price increased and then readjusted several times. People in the industry stated that the current price fluctuations are mainly caused by human interference in the garlic market. The future price of Chinese garlic is still difficult to predict as the domestic and international markets are not in sync.
Data analyst He Tan explained that the price of garlic that entered the market in 2018 was relatively low until January 2019. The current price is far from low in comparison with previous years. Data shows that the average price in March was 2.75 yuan [0.41 USD] per 0.5 kg. The price rapidly increased in March. As for the reasons behind this development, He Tan thinks that the main reason is still the market expectation for high prices in 2019.
He explained that the 2019 harvest of Chinese garlic will enter the market in May. However, the surface area devoted to garlic plantation in 2019 is around 25% smaller than in 2018. Traders therefore expect the price of garlic to increase this year. The price of garlic that entered storage in 2018, however, is relatively low. The overall market price therefore bounces between high and low, but the price is unlikely to fall much lower in the next few years.
Source: cnr.cn