Garlic market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The garlic market in the MENA region experienced sustained growth from 2018 to 2023, with volume expanding from 851 thousand tons to 1 117 thousand tons. This represented an overall increase of 266 thousand tons, indicating robust and consistent demand throughout the period.

Market growth accelerated notably in 2022, when volume jumped by over 100 thousand tons to surpass 1 million tons for the first time. The upward trend continued into 2023, though at a more measured pace, solidifying the market's expansion above the 1.1-million-ton level.

The period was characterized by a steady climb in market volume, with each year from 2019 onward recording higher levels than the last. This progression underscores the market's resilience and its capacity for continuous growth over the six-year span.

Production garlic in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of garlic, 2017-2020

World map of production of garlic, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, garlic production in the MENA region declined. In 2020, production reached 720.8 K t, marking a modest year-over-year decrease of 3.9%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 24.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 7.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 750.3 K t, with the largest year-over-year increase occurring in 2018 at 23.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in MENA in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports garlic from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. MENA's garlic exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 9.3 K t, then surged to a peak in 2019 at 67.0 K t, representing a 7.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports amounted to 38.0 K t, a 43.3% decrease compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 54.9%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2019 with a 619.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the structure of garlic exports in volume terms was diversified. Russia accounted for 10.1% of exports, Afghanistan for 3.0%, and Asia, not elsewhere specified, for 2.7%. Together, these three markets represented just 15.8% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 39.0 M $ US, then climbed to a high in 2020 at 99.1 M $ US, resulting in a 2.5-fold variation. In 2020, garlic deliveries from MENA reached 99.1 M $ US, reflecting a 3.3% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 10.4%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2019 with a 145.9% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, garlic exports from MENA in value terms were characterized by a broad spread across markets. Russia held a 14.2% share of exports, Asia, not elsewhere specified accounted for 5.6%, and Turkey for 3.6%. Combined, these three markets represented only 23.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports garlic to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

Garlic imports into the MENA region increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 246.5 K t, up by 38.3% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 30.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.2%. The lowest import level was recorded in 2018 at 146.3 K t, with the largest decline that year at 22.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the key supplier of garlic to the MENA region, accounting for 79.1% of total imports in volume terms. The remaining imports came from a diversified group of other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Garlic imports into the MENA region increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, MENA imported approximately 273.5 M $ US of garlic, a 30.4% increase over the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 2.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 148.6 M $ US, with the largest decline that year at 44.1%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019 with a 41.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of garlic imports in value terms was strongly focused on China, which held a 78.2% share of total flows. Other partners accounted for the remaining volume.

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

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