Garlic market in North Macedonia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh garlic in North Macedonia expanded significantly from 2018 to 2023, with total volume growing by over one-third from 4 159 t to 5 664 t. This growth was not steady, as the market experienced a notable surge in 2020 followed by a contraction in 2021 and a period of stabilization in 2022 before a sharp upturn in 2023.

The increase in market volume was primarily driven by domestic production, which rose from 4 134 t to 5 509 t over the period. The year 2023 alone saw production jump by 24% to 5 509 t, contributing substantially to the overall market expansion. Meanwhile, import levels fluctuated between 110 t and 240 t, while exports generally declined, leaving more supply available for the domestic market.

In value terms, the market's growth was even more pronounced, increasing by 63% from 1.3 million dollars to 2.2 million dollars between 2018 and 2023. This indicates not only a higher volume of garlic consumed but also potential changes in prices or a shift toward higher-value products within the category.

Production garlic in North Macedonia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of garlic, 2017-2020

World map of production of garlic, 2017-2020

North Macedonia's garlic production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 4,904 tonnes of garlic, representing an 8.6% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 16.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.2%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 4,134 tonnes, which marked a 1.9% decline from the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with production rising by 9.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in North Macedonia in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of growth, North Macedonia's garlic production value declined. In 2020, garlic output was valued at 1,338 thousand US dollars, representing a 6.7% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, however, production value increased by 28.3%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 8.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1,434 thousand US dollars, following a substantial 20.4% increase in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in North Macedonia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports garlic from North Macedonia

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, North Macedonia's garlic export volume declined. In 2020, exports totaled 63.8 tonnes, representing a 67.2% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 42.4%, with an average annual decline of 16.8%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 194.7 tonnes, which marked a significant 69.3% increase from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, North Macedonia's garlic exports in volume terms were heavily concentrated on Albania, which accounted for 73.0% of total flows. Other countries together formed the remaining share.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited considerable volatility during this period. North Macedonia exported 17.4 thousand US dollars worth of garlic in 2020, representing a 71.8% decrease from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 61.9 thousand US dollars, following a 77.2% increase that year. Overall, there was a 3.6-fold variation between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2020.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, three key markets—Albania, Serbia, and Montenegro—dominated North Macedonia's garlic exports in value terms, collectively accounting for 78.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports garlic to North Macedonia

Imports in kind, t

North Macedonia's garlic imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 240.2 tonnes, marking a 65.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 98.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 25.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated North Macedonia's garlic imports in volume terms, accounting for 75.0% of total flows, while numerous smaller partners made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Garlic imports to North Macedonia reached 178.4 thousand US dollars in 2020, showing a 103.0% increase compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, with imports peaking in 2020 at 2.3 times the 2017 level. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 12.7% decrease.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, China and Albania consistently accounted for 89.2% of North Macedonia's garlic imports in value terms, indicating high market concentration alongside numerous smaller markets.

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

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