Garlic market in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the garlic market volume in Eastern Europe expanded from 561.7 thousand tons to 584.8 thousand tons. This growth was supported by rising imports, particularly from China, which began to influence the market due to lower prices. In 2020, the introduction of a state subsidy program offering 3,000 euros per hectare to stimulate domestic production contributed to market activity, increasing the number of beneficiaries by 47.7%.

After 2020, the market volume contracted, falling to 489.6 thousand tons by 2023. The decline was driven by a reduction in local production, which faced sales challenges and limited storage, while traders preferred imported garlic. The European Union's implementation of customs controls and tariffs on fresh garlic further affected the market, despite fraudulent practices to circumvent duties.

In 2024, garlic imports continued, mainly from the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Egypt, and China, leading to a trade deficit of about 20 million euros. The broader European market saw decreased cultivation areas in countries like Spain and logistical issues. Consumer preferences for local and organic garlic persisted, but cheap imports dominated the market.

Production garlic in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of garlic, 2017-2020

World map of production of garlic, 2017-2020

In Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia), garlic production reached 486.9 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a 2.3% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 3.9%, which translates to an average annual reduction of 1.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 484.7 thousand tonnes. That same year saw the largest decline of 4.4%, while 2019 experienced the biggest increase of 2.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports garlic from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, garlic exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) fell in 2020. The region exported 5.1 thousand tonnes of garlic that year, representing a 5.9% year-on-year drop. From 2017 to 2020, exports overall increased by 43.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 12.9%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 5.4 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 44.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, garlic exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. The Netherlands accounted for 9.5% of exports, the United Kingdom for 3.8%, and Germany for 2.6%. Combined, these three countries represented just 15.9% of total export flows, indicating a highly diversified market.

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

World map of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Garlic exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) grew for the third consecutive year in 2020. Export value totaled 13.7 million US dollars, showing a 36.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 70.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 19.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The structure of garlic exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified, with no single country dominating. The Netherlands accounted for 12.6% of export value, the United Kingdom for 4.6%, and Germany for 2.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 20.0% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020

Imports garlic to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia)

Imports in kind, K t

Garlic imports into Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) increased for the second consecutive year in 2020. The region imported 103.0 thousand tonnes of garlic, a 16.4% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 24.9%, averaging an annual increase of 7.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 82.1 thousand tonnes, which also saw a slight decline of 0.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China, Spain, and Egypt were the primary sources for garlic imports into Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia). China accounted for 57.1% of imports, Spain for 16.1%, and Egypt for 10.1%. Together, these three countries represented 83.3% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Garlic imports into Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) rose for the second year in a row in 2020. Import value reached 177.1 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp 30.0% year-on-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 28.3%, with an average annual rate of 8.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 119.5 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 13.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Spain, and Egypt remained the key partners for garlic imports in value terms into Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia). China accounted for 50.8% of import value, Spain for 20.6%, and Egypt for 8.5%. Combined, these three countries represented 79.9% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Eastern Europe (including Northern Asia) in value, 2017-2020