Garlic market in Montenegro

Earlier Report Observations

The garlic market in Montenegro saw its volume rise to 1 247 t in 2019, supported by increased import flows which reached 306 t that year. Regional trade patterns, including significant imports of Chinese garlic into neighboring Serbia, contributed to greater product availability in the Balkans. The following year, market volume contracted to 1 186 t as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and the EU4AGRI project began supporting local agricultural recovery in the region, factors which tempered import levels.

After a slight dip to 1 178 t in 2021, the market regained momentum and expanded to 1 216 t in 2022. This recovery was primarily driven by a resurgence in imports, which grew consistently over this period, indicating restored trade activity and stable domestic consumption.

By 2023, the market volume grew further to 1 244 t. During this period, regional innovation, such as the development and export of fermented black garlic from Bosnia and Herzegovina, signaled evolving product segments. Furthermore, global factors like adverse weather in China—a major exporter—began affecting European supply, which may have influenced import dynamics and market conditions in Montenegro.

Production garlic in Montenegro

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of garlic, 2017-2020

World map of production of garlic, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of decline, Montenegro's garlic production rebounded in 2020. The country produced 951 tonnes of garlic that year, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 1.0%. Production had reached its lowest point in 2019 at 941 tonnes, while the most significant drop occurred in 2018 with a 2.4% decrease.

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

Exports garlic from Montenegro

Exports in kind, t

Garlic exports from Montenegro experienced notable fluctuations during this period. In 2017, exports hit their minimum, then surged to a peak in 2020, creating a 26-fold difference between these two years. Specifically, exports in 2020 amounted to 0.6 tonnes, representing a dramatic year-over-year increase of 1 279.6%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a 65.2% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina dominated Montenegro's garlic exports in volume, accounting for 72.0% of the total. The remaining exports were distributed among a diverse group of smaller countries.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of garlic exports from Montenegro showed volatility over the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2020, with a 21-fold variation between these years. In 2020, the export value totaled 1.1 thousand US dollars, up 666.7% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 52.4% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, and Croatia consistently led as the top destinations for Montenegro's garlic exports by value. Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 60.5% of export value, Italy for 13.9%, and Croatia for 9.6%. Together, these three countries represented 84.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports garlic to Montenegro

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Montenegro's garlic imports declined in 2020. The country imported 235.8 tonnes of garlic that year, showing a substantial year-over-year reduction of 22.9%. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 4.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.6%. Imports peaked in 2019 at 305.9 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 19.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Serbia, and Albania were the leading suppliers of garlic to Montenegro by volume. China accounted for 46.2% of imports in kind, Serbia for 19.8%, and Albania for 14.8%. Their combined share reached 80.8% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Montenegro imported garlic worth 300.3 thousand US dollars in 2020, reflecting a robust 13.1% drop compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 26.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 300.3 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 41.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 45.3% rise.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, China, Serbia, and Albania were the primary sources of garlic imports to Montenegro by value. China represented 36.3% of import value, Serbia 23.0%, and Albania 13.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for 72.8% of total import flows.

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

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