Garlic market in Russia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Russian fresh garlic market contracted from 262 thousand tons to 191 thousand tons. Domestic production fell steadily, while imports remained volatile but essential, accounting for about 80% of supply. Early efforts to boost local output included experimental industrial farming projects launched in 2018, such as AFG Natsional's 17-hectare plot, though these did not reverse the overall decline.

A sharp drop in market volume occurred in 2021, falling to 197 thousand tons. Imports surged in 2020 driven by stronger demand, particularly from China and Egypt, but could not offset falling production. In 2023, drought conditions led to poor harvests, pushing domestic production down further and contributing to a 46% price increase that year.

Despite the shrinking volume, the market saw structural developments: the largest producer, GK AgroInvestRF, expanded its planted area from 2 hectares in 2021 to 132 hectares by 2024, and new product segments like garlic paste and oil emerged. In 2024, new trade networks such as the 'Chesnok' chain entered the market, and changes in labeling and trade legislation were implemented, affecting retail conditions.

Production garlic in Russia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Russia ranked 11th globally in garlic production.

Top producers of garlic, 2017-2020

World map of production of garlic, 2017-2020

Russia's garlic production declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 189.7 thousand tons, marking a 6.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 212.0 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 2.9%.

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

Exports garlic from Russia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2019, representing a fourfold difference between these years. In 2020, Russia's garlic exports amounted to 1 049 tons, a significant 53.5% drop year-over-year. The maximum value of 2 255 tons was reached in 2019, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 224.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Belarus and Ukraine remained the primary destinations for Russian garlic exports, together accounting for 93.0% of total export volume, with other countries making up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Export values reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2017, showing a 2.3-fold variation between these extremes. In 2020, Russian garlic exports totaled 901 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp 97.7% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 456 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 46.0% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine and Belarus accounted for the majority of Russian garlic exports in value terms, while other markets represented a smaller portion of total exports.

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

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

Imports garlic to Russia

Imports in kind, t

Russia's garlic imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 62 496 tons, showing a strong 16.8% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 15.8%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 5.0%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 50 963 tons, which also saw the largest annual decline of 5.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, China accounted for 80.2% of Russia's total garlic imports by volume, with the remaining share distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Russia's garlic imports increased in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value reached 89 981 thousand US dollars, constituting a substantial 18.5% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 15%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 67 227 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 14.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China dominated Russia's garlic imports in value terms, accounting for 80.8% of total import value, while other markets represented a fragmented remainder.

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

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