Garlic market in Middle Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh garlic market in Middle Africa experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. The period began with a market volume of 27 714 t in 2018, a year characterized by scarcity of garlic on the Cameroonian market, particularly the prized pink variety, which led to price speculation and affected product availability and cost. This tight supply situation coincided with high import levels to meet demand.

After a contraction to 24 260 t in 2019, the market gradually recovered, surpassing its 2018 level to reach a peak of 31 983 t in 2022. This significant expansion was driven by a sharp rise in imports, which jumped by over 29% that year, alongside steady growth in domestic production. The market then saw a moderate correction in 2023, with the total volume easing to 30 716 t as import volumes declined.

Domestic production showed resilience, increasing from 11 187 t in 2021 to 13 467 t in 2023. By 2024, import volumes had risen again to 19 568 t, while consumer habits such as refrigerator storage for freshness continued to shape demand patterns for fresh produce in the region.

Production garlic in Middle Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of garlic, 2017-2020

World map of production of garlic, 2017-2020

The garlic market in Middle Africa showed an unstable trend during the observed period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2018 with a {ampRatio}-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Middle Africa produced 11 136 tons of garlic, representing a modest 1.2% increase compared to 2019. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 12 667 tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 13.1% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in Middle Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports garlic from Middle Africa

Exports in kind, t

Garlic export volumes from Middle Africa displayed significant volatility over the period. Exports dropped to their minimum in 2020 and reached their maximum in 2018, showing a 5.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cross-border shipments of garlic from Middle Africa totaled 6 tons, marking a sharp 44.9% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 30 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 64.8% drop, while the most substantial increase was in 2018 with a 219.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main buyers of garlic from Middle Africa in volume terms were Uganda (12.5% of exports), Spain (3.3% of exports), and the Bahamas (1.3% of exports). Together, these three countries accounted for 17.0% of total garlic exports from the region.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Garlic exports from Middle Africa declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. The region exported 8 thousand US dollars worth of garlic that year, representing a substantial 13.5% year-over-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 96.3%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 66.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the key buyers of garlic from Middle Africa in value terms were the Bahamas and Spain. Together, these two countries accounted for 4.0% of total garlic exports from the region during this period.

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

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

Imports garlic to Middle Africa

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, foreign garlic supplies to Middle Africa stood at 14 569 tons, indicating a moderate 9.8% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 16.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 15 077 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 12.0% decrease, while the most significant increase was in 2018 with a 20.3% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated garlic imports to Middle Africa in volume terms, accounting for 90.0% of total imports. The remaining imports were distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Garlic imports to Middle Africa declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Imports totaled 7 635 thousand US dollars that year, representing a 1.6% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 17.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.1%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 9 753 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 20.4% decrease, while the most substantial increase was in 2018 with a 5.7% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, garlic imports to Middle Africa in value terms were almost entirely dependent on China, which accounted for 90.9% of total import flows during this period.

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

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