Garlic market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh garlic market in Northern Africa grew substantially from 644 thousand tons in 2018 to 896 thousand tons in 2023, a 39% increase over the period. This growth was interrupted only in 2020 when market volume dipped by 4% to 637 thousand tons, before accelerating again with double-digit annual rises through 2023.

By 2024, trade patterns shifted dramatically as exports surged to 361 thousand tons, driven by Morocco's focused expansion of agricultural exports and a 12% rise in foreign investment into the country's farming sector. Political and economic stability in Morocco further strengthened its role as a strategic market, while garlic price volatility in Egypt highlighted ongoing regional production challenges.

Production garlic in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of garlic, 2017-2020

World map of production of garlic, 2017-2020

Northern Africa's garlic production saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2019, production reached its peak at 654.9 thousand tons. However, by 2020, it had dropped to 615.9 thousand tons, marking a 6.0% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 29.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 9.1%. The most significant year-over-year increase occurred in 2018, with a jump of 32.2%.

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

Exports garlic from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

The export market for garlic from Northern Africa experienced considerable volatility during this period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 5 744 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 46.1%. The following year, 2019, brought a dramatic turnaround with the biggest increase of 155.4%. By 2020, exports had risen to 15 080 tons, showing a 2.8% gain compared to 2019. Overall, from 2018 to 2020, the market fluctuated significantly, with a peak-to-trough difference of 2.6 times.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Northern Africa exported garlic to numerous countries, resulting in a highly diversified trade structure. Even the top destinations—Russia, Asia (not elsewhere specified), and Poland—collectively accounted for only 45.5% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of garlic exports from Northern Africa showed notable fluctuations from 2017 to 2020. In 2018, exports reached their minimum at 12 750 thousand US dollars, accompanied by the largest decline of 53.6%. The following year, 2019, saw the most significant increase of 121.6%. By 2020, export value had climbed to 40 136 thousand US dollars, representing a 42.1% rise from 2019. Over this period, the market exhibited a 3.1-fold fluctuation between its peak in 2020 and trough in 2018.

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

The export structure in value terms remained fragmented from 2017 to 2020. The leading partners—Russia (25.4% of export value), Asia (not elsewhere specified) (14.3%), and Poland (7.2%)—together made up only 46.9% of total flows, with no single country dominating the market.

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

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

Imports garlic to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Garlic imports into Northern Africa increased for the second year in a row. In 2018, imports were at their lowest at 22 949 tons, with the largest decline of 20.4% recorded that year. By 2020, imports had surged to 36 459 tons, reflecting a substantial 44.9% increase from the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 26.4%, averaging an 8.1% annual growth rate.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain and China were the primary sources for garlic imports into Northern Africa in volume terms, together accounting for 95.8% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, the value of garlic imports into Northern Africa rebounded. In 2019, imports hit their lowest point at 26 409 thousand US dollars, following the largest decline of 30.0% in 2018. By 2020, import value had jumped to 43 971 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp 66.5% increase from the year before.

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

During 2017-2020, Spain and China dominated the import market in value terms, jointly representing 95.8% of total garlic import flows into Northern Africa.

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

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