Garlic is a staple ingredient used in almost every dish for its aroma and flavor. To procure the required flavors, you must import only the high-quality garlic bulbs.
China stands out as the world’s leading garlic exporter, renowned for its high-quality garlic products. Moreover, you get access to a variety of garlic options, including organic, inorganic, and garlic oil.
But the Chinese Garlic season is coming to an end. If you are planning to buy garlic, this can be the right time. Let’s discuss how the garlic supply is affected and how you can book it.
How Long Does the Garlic Season Span?
Garlic season has four durations. From harvesting to the end of the season, here is how each duration is calculated.
Harvest Period
During the harvest Period, garlic production is at its peak, meeting demand and keeping prices affordable.
Here are a few key points about the harvest period.
- It spans from late May to June.
- The production supply exceeds demand, resulting in lower costs.
- Garlic is fresh from the ground, not stored.
Cold Storage Periods
After harvesting, most suppliers set up processing facilities and let the garlic store for some time to meet demand later.
- This period spans from July to April.
- International demand and supply fluctuate based on required storage.
- Supplies gradually decrease as the season comes to an end.
Peak Export Window
It is not the harvesting period that brings the most export; the peak export period comes after it. This period spans from September to February.
- Inventory levels remain high during the peak export period due to stored forms.
- Quality is stable, depending on storage methods and garlic quality.
- Prices are relatively predictable because they are stable.
End of Season
In 2026, March to April marks the end of the garlic season. It gives rise to new productions.
However, this season features the following.
- Demand is still high, but suppliers don’t have stock.
- Prices rise because of an imbalance between supply and demand.
Why are Chinese Suppliers Closing Garlic Supplies Early Now?
In April 2026, suppliers are closing the garlic sale. You might wonder, but the answer is straightforward and depends on the following reasons.
Inventory Depletion
China’s production period is from May to July. No garlic is produced after that. Whatever garlic is available is stored using special methods.
The end of April marks the end of the garlic season, and suppliers will have almost no stock available. Therefore, they prefer to close sales and wait for the new season.
Quality Storage Concerns
Storage is possible, but a longer shelf life brings quality risks. Moisture can affect the overall quality of garlic.
During the storage period, garlic supplies might experience:
- Sprouting
- Moisture loss
- Decline in firmness
These quality issues are also a major factor behind early closure.
Preparation for the new harvest
Late April marks the season when the focus shifts from old garlic to new garlic supplies. Suppliers start:
- Preparing processing facilities to receive and store the upcoming garlic.
- Arranging labor and logistics to harvest and export garlic varieties globally.
- Planning, packaging, and exports for the new crop
Market risks and price uncertainty
The end of the season is the riskiest of all seasons. It is because of pricing uncertainty, which depends on the imbalance between supply and demand.
For example:
- The new harvesting season is on its head. Selling old garlic while inviting new ones can drop the prices of old ones.
- The harvesting period is approaching, and customers may not buy the old garlic, preferring the new.
Should You Buy Garlic Now or Wait for the New Season?
You might be confused about whether you should buy garlic now or wait for the new season. Every decision has a few challenges and options. For example:
Advantages of Buying Now
If you are considering purchasing garlic at the end of this season, there are several benefits.
- Supply is stable, and market availability favors the purchasing decisions.
- The price is quite certain, since you might not know whether fresh garlic will be more or less expensive.
- If you don’t buy the old garlic now, the suppliers might close, and you might miss out on your garlic.
Risks of Waiting for New Crops
If you are waiting for new, fresh garlic supplies, it also poses a few risks. Here are a few risk factors associated with it.
- Fresh garlic is often more expensive and takes longer to grow.
- The delay in garlic supplies can prove to be dangerous for your business. Garlic harvesting occurs from late May to July, but processing and storage may delay its availability in September.
- Weather conditions largely impact the quality and might compromise it.
Market Timing Considerations
Business decisions matter a lot in selecting garlic and in purchasing. Seasonal supply fluctuates and depends on the environmental conditions.
- Short-term supply needs favor immediate buying before suppliers close the sales.
- However, if you are flexible, supply is available, and you might wait for potential price adjustments after harvest, it is an excellent decision. But there is no guarantee of price, quality, or supplies.
Balanced Procurement Strategy
If you are still confused about whether you should take part in the old garlic supplies, our experts have a few recommendations for you.
- Secure part of your needs now from the garlic suppliers. Ensure it meets your requirements for the next few months.
- Wait for the new crop and purchase additional quantities to meet your demands and secure your garlic supplies.
Conclusion
China is known for its global garlic supplies. It is the top exporter and ships products globally to Europe and the US. The end of April is your last chance to purchase garlic. If you miss this time, prices can rise due to limited supply and high demand. It is the last time to secure your garlic supplies.
Do you want to purchase high-end garlic? Contact Fenduni Garlic Suppliers. We have large-scale production farms and deploy safe, internationally recognized methods. Moreover, we have integrated shipping options. Contact us to book your garlic supplies right away!