Supply, Demand, and Trade Dynamics
Domestic garlic supply and demand are projected to be generally balanced in 2026; the volume consumed for processing is expected to reach 4.34 million tons-an increase of 100,000 tons year-on-year-supported by an ample supply of raw materials. Regarding exports, the United States was previously the largest market for Chinese dehydrated garlic; while exports briefly stalled in April 2025 due to tariffs, trade largely recovered following an agreement reached between China and the US in May. Products are also exported to nearly 30 countries and regions, including the European Union and Southeast Asia.
Industry Operational Characteristics
The current market is characterized by "quality-based pricing": high-quality supplies circulate smoothly, whereas processing-grade garlic of inferior quality moves slowly and faces downward price pressure. The industry is gradually upgrading toward intelligent production and low-energy drying technologies, while the demand for convenient ingredients in the downstream foodservice sector continues to drive market expansion.
