The main supply of Chinese leeks currently comes from production areas in Nantong, Jiangsu, with additional supply from Zhangzhou, Fujian. The sales of Chinese leek significantly slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic, because this vegetable is not essential for most households. This put enormous pressure on leek production areas. The volume of leek distributed to north China greatly declined, and in some areas the process leek was sold at cost price with free delivery included. The majority of leek in Chinese wholesale markets sells for around 0.4-0.5 yuan [0.06-0.07 USD] per 0.5 kg. The price of the highest-quality leek is around 0.7-0.8 yuan [0.10-0.11 USD] per 0.5 kg. That is the lowest price in 3 years.
The early harvest of leeks has already flowered and is no longer suitable for retail. Late-season leek has now entered the market. Furthermore, the temperature recently increased and the overall supply of leeks is still more than sufficient. Leeks from production areas in Shandong generally enter the market in May. The price is expected to fluctuate in late March and April, but ultimately there is a limit to how much the price can rise.
Source: Jinri Toutiao