China’s most important garlic producing regions have achieved different results this season. Henan’s production is almost the same as last season; Pizhou’s production has been the same or even slightly decreased, while Laiwu’s may have slightly increased.
Meanwhile, in Jinxiang, the most important producer, the acreage has been reduced by 15%, down to 530,000 Mu (35,330 hectares), compared to last year’s 624,000 Mu (41,600 hectares), although production is expected to have increased by 5-10%.
The weather conditions are reported to have been favourable, with no continuous overcast and rainy weather; as a result, the garlic’s overall appearance and quality is good, perfectly managing to meet the customers’ requirements.
In terms of prices, Jinxiang’s fresh garlic has become steadily more expensive, with very large volumes sold and purchased. At the famous Jinxiang Garlic International Market there have been transactions amounting to a total of 3,000 tonnes a day, with a gradually increasing trend. This great demand is one of the reasons for the rising prices.
Other reasons include the quality of this fresh garlic. While last winter’s harvest was affected by higher temperatures, this year’s garlic is large and full, with yields amounting to about 1,107 kg per hectare, compared to 987 kg last winter; an increase of 12%. The region’s total garlic production has amounted to about 587,000 tonnes.
Ginger
When it comes to the situation of ginger in China, prices have been reported to range between 0.83 and 0.93 USD/kg, currently remaining at rather steady levels, since the product is now in the off season and the market won’t be busy again until October.
At the moment, some small orders arrive from South East Asia and the Middle East, but most shipments remain in the domestic market, mainly South China, in destinations like Shenzhen City. There are also no imports, since the home-grown ginger still manages to meet the local demand.
