Garlic market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, Colombian garlic producers faced significant competition from imports, particularly Chinese garlic which accounted for about 40% of the market, prompting local growers to enhance production and add value through packaged peeled garlic. The market volume fluctuated over the following years, declining to 34 390 t in 2019, rising to 38 418 t in 2020, and then falling again to 36 048 t in 2021.

A sharp increase of 28% brought the market volume to 46 302 t in 2022, coinciding with strengthened food safety regulations including Resolución 2013 which set standards for sauces containing garlic, and general sanitary controls by the ICA. By 2023, the market stabilized at 46 162 t as new food safety norms and nutritional labeling rules were implemented, though fresh garlic was exempt from labeling requirements.

For 2024, the ICA approved Resolución No. 00000824 establishing phytosanitary and safety requirements for the export of fresh vegetables, including garlic, aiming to improve quality and access to international markets. Global factors such as limited supply from major producers also influenced the market, while local producers continued to counter imports through quality improvements and certification.

Production garlic in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of garlic, 2017-2020

World map of production of garlic, 2017-2020

Garlic production in Colombia has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 8 587 tonnes of garlic, which represents a 7.4% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 27.8%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 8.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 10 175 tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with an 8.9% decline, while the largest increase was seen in 2018 with a 51.5% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports garlic from Colombia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Import levels varied significantly, with a 3.8-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the low point in 2020. In 2020, garlic exports from Colombia totaled 15 tonnes, marking a substantial 15.2% decrease from the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 59 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 69.2% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018 with a 115.1% surge.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the dominant destination for Colombia's garlic exports in volume terms, accounting for 87.7% of total shipments. The remaining exports were distributed among a variety of smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Colombia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited considerable volatility during these years. Export values peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 7.5-fold gap between these two years. In 2020, the value of garlic exports from Colombia was 26 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 55.3% decline from 2019. The highest export value was recorded in 2018 at 198 thousand US dollars. The most significant decrease occurred in 2019 with a 70.0% fall, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 66.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Colombia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States overwhelmingly dominated Colombia's garlic exports in value terms, capturing 93.8% of the total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Colombia in value, 2017-2020

Imports garlic to Colombia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Colombia's garlic imports reached 29 846 tonnes, showing a significant 18.7% increase year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 68.7%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 19.0%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 with a 3.5% drop, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2018 with a 47.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Colombia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China was the clear leader in supplying garlic to Colombia, representing 98.1% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Colombia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Garlic imports into Colombia have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import values amounted to 30 240 thousand US dollars, which is 7.7% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 21.6%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 6.7%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2018 at 17 551 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 29.4% decrease, while the biggest increase was in 2019 with a 60.0% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Colombia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During the 2017-2020 period, Colombia's reliance on China was particularly evident, as this market accounted for 97.9% of the total import value of garlic.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Colombia in value, 2017-2020