Currently, it is the peak export season for Christmas garlic shipments, and the overall market is running smoothly. Wendy Qin from Shandong Xiangsheng Import and Export Co., Ltd. explained: "In recent weeks, export orders have been steady and frequent, with prices remaining stable. Compared with the past two years, order frequency has eased slightly this year. Overall market activity is moderate, which makes the situation relatively stable and manageable for both exporters and buyers."
According to Wendy, this year's garlic quality is excellent, with clean, firm bulbs. Combined with a large harvest, prices remain relatively low, and shipping costs have decreased compared with last year, greatly boosting export competitiveness. "At present, garlic prices are several hundred yuan per ton lower than the same period last year. Over the past two years, garlic prices have stayed within a reasonable range, without the sharp swings seen the year before last, which is more favorable for trade."
"Despite the price advantage, export volume has declined compared with the previous two years, likely due to weaker demand in the overseas food service sector."
Regarding recent price fluctuations, she noted a brief wave of speculation in October. "At that time, producing regions were hit by heavy rainfall during the key planting period for the new crop. Some market players tried to push up prices by leveraging expectations of possible production losses, leading to a slight increase. But by late October, the weather improved, planting progressed smoothly, speculative sentiment faded, and prices returned to stable levels."
In terms of regional trends, Wendy observed that demand from African markets, previously one of the most consistent destinations, has fallen sharply this year, while several European markets have seen year-on-year growth of about 10%.
Looking ahead, she said, "Because the rainy season arrived late and rainfall was abundant, this year's key planting period was also delayed. As planting winds down, labor availability in garlic processing is expected to rise, reducing labor costs and possibly bringing a slight dip in garlic prices. However, any decline will likely be limited, and the overall market trend should remain stable."
Shandong Xiangsheng Import and Export Co., Ltd. mainly sources garlic from growing regions such as Jinxiang in Shandong Province, exporting to markets in Central and South America, Eastern Europe, West Africa, North Africa, and North America.
