Garlic: large crops in China and Spain

Generally good quality

The global garlic market is starting the new season with a generally good supply situation. In many major growing countries, yields are rising thanks to favourable weather conditions and larger acreage. At the same time, high availability – particularly from China – as well as substantial stock levels in numerous markets are keeping prices under sustained pressure. While quality is described as good to very good in many places, demand and sales are falling short of expectations in several regions, according to the experts at FreshPlaza in their latest industry update.

Record yields in Spain

The early garlic harvest in Spain is nearing completion and has proved very successful in terms of both yield and quality. Bulb sizes are also above last year’s levels. According to the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the acreage increased by 4 to 5% in 2026. This development was aided by favourable weather conditions throughout the harvesting period.

However, marketing remains challenging. High prices last season led to increased imports from China and Egypt. According to a representative of Spanish garlic producers and exporters, Chinese garlic is being sold at prices below Spanish production costs due to high stock levels. At the same time, he reports that unusually large quantities from last year’s crop were still in storage as of March. For the upcoming purple garlic harvest, very large bulbs and high quality are once again expected, with the crop due to be available for sale by the end of the month.

High stock levels are slowing sales in Italy

The Italian market is also suffering from a glut of imported produce. Growers and traders from southern Italy told FreshPlaza that garlic from Egypt and Argentina, in particular, is being offered at very low prices. Egyptian garlic sometimes costs less than EUR 1.00/kg. However, as the produce often fails to meet consumer preferences, large quantities remain unsold. Combined with remaining stocks of Spanish goods from the previous season, this is significantly slowing down trade. According to the trader’s assessment, consumption is currently two to three months behind the usual level. Until these stocks are cleared, it will be difficult to market the new Italian crop, which is already in the harvesting, processing and storage phases.

The chairman of a large cooperative in northern Italy nevertheless views the crop prospects for 2026 positively. Plant growth has been vigorous and the early varieties already harvested have yielded well. At the same time, he points to a decline in acreage due to disease, labour shortages and climate-related production problems.

France, the Netherlands and Germany: Ample supply is putting pressure on prices

In France, the garlic season is starting earlier than usual. Warm spring temperatures have accelerated the growth of the crops. Overall, production is expected to reach a normal level, with predominantly good quality and satisfactory yields. At the same time, the sector is observing a growing proportion of low-priced products on the market, which is increasing price pressure along the value chain.

In the Netherlands, the market is developing calmly, as is typical for the season. Supply is considered sufficient. Dutch growers have now begun harvesting fresh garlic. At the same time, market players are keeping a close eye on weather conditions, as high temperatures could affect the shelf life of the produce currently being harvested. Prices for fresh garlic remain low. Prices for peeled garlic, however, are holding up much more firmly.

In Germany, too, the market continues to be characterised by high stocks of older produce, which is putting pressure on prices. A German importer also reports that, following heavy rainfall, mould spots are increasingly appearing on Chinese garlic. This necessitates more labour-intensive sorting and peeling processes to meet European quality standards. According to the importer, this has already led to price increases of around EUR 170/mt. At the same time, he sees further potential for growth in demand.

Weak demand despite sufficient supply in North America

Overall, supply to the North American market is good. In Mexico, yields fell short of expectations despite large acreages. The reasons cited include problems with seed quality and a lack of cold spells after planting. Prices are under pressure here. High stock levels, additional shipments from South America and illegally imported Chinese garlic have increased supply. At the same time, high temperatures have led to lower domestic yields.

The expected impact of lower Mexican production is being partially offset by very good yields in Spain. Egypt and Turkey are also supplying the North American market. The harvest is getting underway in California, with yields expected to be on a par with last year’s levels. Demand, however, remains weak. Customers are predominantly buying only the quantities they require. In addition to seasonal factors, high fuel prices in the US are also having a dampening effect on market activity, according to the experts at FreshPlaza.

South America is struggling with weather problems and competition from China

In Peru, unusually high temperatures have hampered crop development. Production could fall from the usual figure of around 100,000 mt to between 60,000 and 70,000 mt. Whilst the lower supply could support prices, cheaper Chinese garlic is limiting this effect.

Argentina recorded losses in the 2024/25 season, mainly due to increased competition from Chinese produce in Brazil, the country’s most important export market. The resulting oversupply also put pressure on other markets. In Brazil, changes to the calculation of anti-dumping duties introduced in October 2024 have enabled the import of larger quantities of Chinese garlic at low prices. This has had an impact on the entire Argentine export chain.

In Chile, prices fell by 50 to 80% compared with last year by the end of the season. The causes cited include an oversupplied Mexican market and additional competition from Peru and China. As a result, planting intentions for the coming season fell significantly.

Record volumes are driving down prices in South Africa

According to a market analyst at AMT, available volumes in South Africa have reached record levels over the past three months. As a result, prices were almost 40% below last year’s level. At wholesale markets, prices vary depending on quality and origin. According to AMT, imported garlic fetches higher prices on average than domestic produce. Demand is described as stable overall and usually increases during the winter months.

Larger crop in Egypt meets with weaker demand

In Egypt, the acreage has once again been significantly expanded following the successful previous years. Growers report that the acreage has grown even more than in the previous year. However, the larger crop is meeting a market that is already well-supplied, with stocks from the previous season available alongside Chinese goods.

Although demand from Europe remained steady, it was unable to fully absorb the additional supply. During the course of the season, Brazil in particular provided a further boost. Nevertheless, export prices came under considerable pressure. One exporter reports that prices for smaller bulbs stood at EUR 1,125/mt CIF Santos in June, around 60% below last season’s level. Towards the end of the season, demand from Brazil also began to wane.

According to exporters, whilst marketing activity remains brisk, growing production presents the industry with the challenge of better balancing supply and export demand in future. The season is set to end in late July, with residual stocks expected to last until October.

High availability of Chinese goods is shaping the global market

In China, the main harvest began in early May. Overall, the quality is described as satisfactory, whilst the proportion of large bulbs is higher than last year. The harvest of early varieties is largely complete, whilst mid-season varieties currently account for the bulk of the supply. Despite stable international demand, prices are below last year’s levels. For regular customers, prices of between EUR 793 and 818/mt are being quoted for 5.5-cm bulbs, which, according to market players, is significantly below the levels typical of previous years. The high availability of produce and intense competition are putting pressure on exporters’ margins.

Whilst demand remains stable in many markets, Africa is becoming an increasingly important sales region. According to exporters, many Chinese companies are now focusing more strongly on this market. At the same time, whilst freight rates remain at a moderate level, they continue to fluctuate from week to week, making planning difficult. This combination of high production, competitive prices and a strong export focus means that China remains the key driver of price trends on the global garlic market, according to FreshPlaza.

EU imports up slightly

EU garlic imports for the period 1 January to 21 June 2026 rose by a moderate 2.9% compared with the same period last year, reaching 64,358 mt. China remains by far the most important supplier, with 35,617 mt (+6.1%), followed by Argentina with 12,628 mt (+24.3%). Imports from Egypt have slumped by a significant 24.4%, causing the country to slip to third place among the main suppliers, whilst Chile’s shipments to the EU rose by a whopping 121.6%.

The Netherlands remains the largest importer within the EU, followed by Spain – the southern European country increased its garlic imports by 62.1% compared with the same period last year. Germany ranks fifth among the main importers, with 2,550 mt and an increase of 129.7%.

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