Garlic market in Libya

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the fresh garlic market in Libya experienced significant fluctuations, primarily driven by changes in imports. The market volume grew from 5 048 metric tons in 2018 to 5 271 metric tons in 2020, then dipped to 5 033 metric tons in 2021. A surge in imports to over 1 700 metric tons propelled the market to 6 528 metric tons in 2022, the highest point in the period, before imports retreated and the market size fell to 5 747 metric tons in 2023.

Domestic production of garlic showed steady but modest growth throughout these years, rising from 4 660 metric tons in 2018 to 4 877 metric tons in 2023. This consistent local output meant that the overall market size was largely shaped by import volatility, with import volumes swinging from a low of 251 metric tons in 2021 to a peak of 1 764 metric tons in 2022.

In 2024, the market faced new pressures. A sharp rise in fertilizer prices, linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, increased agricultural production costs, potentially making imports more competitive. At the same time, Central Bank restrictions on foreign currency purchases for imports and a new ban on the re-export of goods introduced additional trade complexities. Reflecting these conditions, garlic imports rose to 1 140 metric tons while exports fell to 73 metric tons.

Production garlic in Libya

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of garlic, 2017-2020

World map of production of garlic, 2017-2020

Libya produced 4 700 tons of garlic in 2020, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 4 700 tons, with the largest year-over-year increase of 0.9% occurring that same year.

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

Exports garlic from Libya

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Libya exported 5.0 tons of garlic, showing only marginal year-over-year fluctuations. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 99.1%, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -79.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Libya's garlic exports in volume terms were heavily concentrated, with Tunisia absorbing 100.0% of total shipments.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Libya's garlic export value reached 1.6 thousand US dollars in 2020, changing very little from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 98.4%, equating to an annualized decline of 74.9%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Tunisia remained the dominant and nearly exclusive destination for Libya's garlic exports in value terms, accounting for 100.0% of the total.

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

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

Imports garlic to Libya

Imports in kind, t

Libya's garlic import volume increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 575.7 tons—a gain of 41.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 22.3%, with a CAGR of -8.1%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 388.1 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 47.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and Egypt were the dominant suppliers of garlic to Libya in volume terms, together accounting for 86.5% of total imports, while other destinations each held relatively small shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year contraction, Libya's garlic imports increased in 2020, amounting to 521.5 thousand US dollars—a steep uptick of 25.9% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 27.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 10.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 414.3 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 30.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, China and Egypt remained the primary suppliers of garlic to Libya in value terms, with a combined share of 86.1% of total imports, while other countries accounted for the remainder.

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

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