Garlic market in Myanmar

Earlier Report Observations

The garlic market in Myanmar expanded from 202.3 thousand tons in 2018 to 207.7 thousand tons in 2020, a growth supported by an increase in the harvested area dedicated to garlic cultivation during 2019, which boosted domestic production capacity.

Market volume dipped to 201.4 thousand tons in 2021 before recovering to 205.6 thousand tons by 2023. This period was marked by greater volatility in garlic exports, including a notable rise in export volume in 2023, while adverse weather conditions continued to pose challenges for yield stability and moderated production growth.

Entering 2024, the market experienced significant supply-side pressures. The Myanmar government's priority to purchase garlic for the domestic market reduced supplies available for export, contributing to a tripling of prices due to shortages and sustained consumer demand. New labeling standards for pre-packaged foods were also introduced, adding specific regulatory requirements for market participants.

Production garlic in Myanmar

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Myanmar ranked 10th globally in garlic production volume.

Top producers of garlic, 2017-2020

World map of production of garlic, 2017-2020

Myanmar's garlic production grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 209.8 K t of garlic, showing only minor fluctuations compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 1.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 203.4 K t. That year saw the largest decline of 0.1%, while 2019 experienced the most significant increase of 2.7%.

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

Exports garlic from Myanmar

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 1 132 t and peaked in 2019 at 4 820 t, representing a 4.3-fold difference. In 2020, garlic shipments from Myanmar totaled 2 081 t, which was 56.8% lower than the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with exports surging by 325.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand, India, and Bangladesh were the main destinations for Myanmar's garlic exports, together accounting for 87.8% of total shipments. Thailand led with 49.9% of exports, followed by India at 27.8% and Bangladesh at 10.0%.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports bottomed in 2018 at 1 672 K $ US and peaked in 2019 at 7 740 K $ US, showing a 4.6-fold difference. In 2020, Myanmar exported 7 339 K $ US worth of garlic, representing a gradual decrease of 5.2% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 56.9%, while 2019 saw the most significant increase of 362.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand remained the key destination for Myanmar's garlic exports in value terms, accounting for 72.5% of total exports. Other markets played a much less significant role during this period.

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

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

Imports garlic to Myanmar

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports showed extreme volatility from 2017 to 2020, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 2 046 times. In 2020, Myanmar imported a total of garlic, reflecting a sharp drop of 99.8% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 2 305.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Thailand dominated Myanmar's garlic imports in kind, accounting for 78.9% of total flows. Other partners held relatively minor shares during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 616-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Myanmar's garlic import volume reached 0.3 K $ US, constituting a fall of 99.3% from 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 863.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand concentrated most of Myanmar's garlic imports in value terms, taking 80.4% of total flows. The remaining imports were fragmented among other markets.

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

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