Garlic market in Romania

Earlier Report Observations

The garlic market in Romania began the period at 37 181 t in 2018, supported by growing consumer interest in domestic products and the introduction of new certified French seed varieties, which improved quality and helped local growers compete against imports. A government subsidy of 1 000 € per hectare was announced for the 2019 season to bolster production. However, the market volume declined to 32 267 t in 2019 as imports from China and Turkey increasingly displaced local garlic on shelves, while domestic output also fell. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the market recovered to 37 382 t in 2020, driven by an expansion of the cultivated area and continued uptake of the improved seeds.

From 2021 onwards, the market entered a sustained contraction, falling to 34 757 t in 2021 and then sharply to 27 609 t in 2022. This decline was primarily caused by extreme weather conditions, including heatwaves and drought, which devastated yields and reduced planted area. Imports from China, Turkey, and Egypt grew to cover a significant portion of domestic consumption, further pressuring local producers. In response, the government expanded its 'de minimis' aid program, with budgets of approximately 21 million lei in 2022 and 29.7 million lei in 2023, offering grants of up to 3 000 € per hectare. Some producers also began developing niche products like smoked garlic to diversify their income. The market volume showed signs of stabilization in 2023, edging down slightly to 26 700 t.

Production garlic in Romania

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Romania ranked 28th globally in garlic production volume.

Top producers of garlic, 2017-2020

World map of production of garlic, 2017-2020

Following a two-year decline, Romania's garlic production rebounded in 2020, reaching 31 560 tonnes—a 13.9% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, production fell by 43.3%, with an average annual decline of 17.2%. The lowest output was recorded in 2019 at 27 700 tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018, with a 45.1% decrease.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of decline, Romania's garlic production value rose in 2020, totaling 62.4 million US dollars—a 38.1% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 42.7%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 16.9%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 45.2 million US dollars, with the largest drop in 2018 at 48.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Romania in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports garlic from Romania

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market. The lowest point was in 2019 at 32 tonnes, while exports peaked in 2020 at 570 tonnes—a 1 678.2% surge from the previous year. This created an 18-fold gap between the two years. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 40.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary remained the primary destination for Romania's garlic exports in volume, accounting for 76.2% of total flows, with the rest distributed among smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market exhibited volatility during this period. The lowest value was in 2019 at 52 000 US dollars, while the highest was in 2020 at 1 127 000 US dollars—a 2 055.9% increase from 2019, resulting in a 22-fold gap. The largest decline was in 2019, dropping by 47.8%.

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

In 2017–2020, Hungary dominated Romania's garlic exports in value terms, holding an 80.0% share of total flows, while other markets accounted for the fragmented remainder.

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

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

Imports garlic to Romania

Imports in kind, t

Romania imported 6 392 tonnes of garlic in 2020, marking a significant 39.0% rise from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports grew by 4.9%, with an average annual increase of 1.6%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 4 599 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 6 665 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 31.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for Romania's garlic imports by volume were the Netherlands (50.0%), Spain (16.5%), and Czechia (9.4%), together comprising 76.0% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, Romania's garlic import value increased in 2020, reaching 15 355 000 US dollars—up 54.4% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 16.6%, equivalent to an average annual growth of 5.3%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 9 945 000 US dollars, with the largest drop in 2018 at 22.2%.

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

In 2017–2020, three key markets—the Netherlands, Spain, and Hungary—collectively represented 74.0% of Romania's total garlic import value.

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

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