China produces approximately 70% of the world’s garlic, meeting the needs of many countries. Many countries around the globe import garlic from China. The agriculture facilities and low labor costs help Chinese farmers grow profitable garlic every year. The garlic imported from China is of the highest quality.
The major countries that import garlic from China are Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Pakistan. Interestingly, China has a favorable regional climate that supports garlic crops. Many Chinese from southern and northern regions make their living from garlic crops. In this article, we will discuss everything related to garlic imported from China.
China’s Garlic Production Dominance
Garlic crops require specific weather requirements for their growth. If a country has dry weather with high temperatures, it can affect garlic production. In China, the weather in falls becomes cold. This is the best time for farmers to plant garlic. After one or half month, the winter kicks in. The freezing temperature in winter supports garlic growth.
Northern regions such as Shandong and southern areas have very favorable weather for garlic. So, mainly Chinese garlic comes from these two regions that consist of multiple provinces. In these regions, thousands of hectares of garlic are grown each year. As a result, China has become the world’s top garlic producer and exporter.
China meets 75-80% of the world’s garlic needs. What makes China a hub for garlic is its well-ventilated warehouses. The temperature in these warehouses remains controlled. So, the garlic stored in these warehouses remains fresh and does not sprout. This garlic from this warehouse is then exported to different countries.
Keep in mind that many countries experience extreme weather conditions throughout the year. Moreover, their soil is rocky and not ideal for growing garlic. As a result, those countries have to import garlic from China’s market to meet their needs. Remember, the lower cost of Chinese Garlic is what makes it very popular and affordable.
Why is Garlic Imported from China?
China exports its garlic to over 160 countries. Interestingly, the demand for Chinese is increasing further due to its quality. Here are the key reasons that indicating why garlic is imported from China:
Cheaper Price
First of all, China is one of those countries where labor cost is very low. Therefore, sowing and harvesting garlic are generally cost-effective in this country. Moreover, Chinese farmers also use modern technology to enhance their productivity and growth.
In this way, they grow a large quantity of garlic per acre. As their labor and other expenses are low, so they can sell garlic at lower prices. Suppliers in China also take small margins, making Chinese garlic highly affordable globally. Due to higher labor costs in other countries, garlic in those regions is very costly. So many countries prefer importing garlic from China.
Bulk Production
Both the northern and southern regions of China produce garlic in large quantities. The northern areas include provinces such as Shandong, Hebei, and Tianjin, among others. Similarly, provinces in the south, such as Yunnan and Jiangxi, also produce garlic. Farmers use advanced machinery for sowing and harvesting growth.
As a result, they can produce large amounts of garlic in their regions. Moreover, Chinese weather and soil also support the production of garlic. Therefore, the bulk quantity gives China a significant edge over its competitors. Such a large production of garlic is not found in other countries. As a result, they import garlic from China.
Versatility & Varieties
As you are aware, garlic comes in various types and varieties. Two major types are as follows:
- Softneck Garlic
- Hardneck Garlic
Softneck garlic has smaller cloves but a higher quantity per bulb. On the flipside, the hardneck garlic has fewer cloves per bulb. But their size is big, which makes them very popular. Apart from these two types, Chinese farmers also produce yellow and white garlic.
This wide range of varieties is something importing countries love. Remember, many countries can only produce either soft or hardneck garlic. However, China is one of those countries that offers nearly all known garlic varieties. This is another reason why Chinese garlic is highly regarded and imported worldwide.
Long Shelf Life & Storage Facilities
Garlic is a vegetable that starts to deteriorate quickly if the weather is not favorable. They require consistent ventilation for a longer lifespan. Other countries don’t have such ventilated warehouses for storage purposes. On the other hand, China has established fully organized warehouses in various regions.
So, farmers can store their garlic in those storage facilities. Remember, the warehouses have controlled temperatures and pressures. So garlic remains fresh and does not sprout. Apart from this, China also produces softneck garlic in large quantities. Such garlic has an overall longer shelf life, which is a significant advantage. The better storage keeps garlic in export quality all year round.
Quick Highlight: The Chinese also introduce garlic to chemical treatments. This helps increase the shelf life of their garlic. Due to this, garlic can remain on the shelf for 7 to 9 months without showing any signs of deterioration. Remember, Chinese farmers also give garlic 14 days of curing time. This removes moisture and dries the garlic, thereby increasing its shelf life.
Better Quality Garlic with Large Bulbs & Cloves
Chinese authorities are focusing on providing agricultural awareness to its farmers. So they know when to grow garlic and when to harvest. Moreover, they use the right fertilizer and take better care of their crops. Farmers know what kind of soil garlic needs for better growth. They keep the soil moist during the 7 to 8-month duration of garlic crop.
As a result, their garlic is more stronger and bigger. The bulbs and cloves of their garlic are healthier. On the other hand, many underdeveloped countries also grow garlic, but the quality of that garlic is generally poor. Their size remains small due to a lack of awareness among the farmers. Therefore, Chinese garlic meets export standards as it is larger.
Quick Highlight: Garlic plantation requires specific climate and soil requirements. The soil should be slightly acidic for optimal garlic growth. Chinese farmers understand these requirements and provide better conditions for garlic to grow. So they get better garlic production. Due to this, garlic production and yield in China is very high.
Sorting of Garlic & Export Quality Assurance
One of the primary reasons garlic is imported from China is its robust quality assurance system. When garlic is harvested, it undergoes curing duration. At this time, the garlic becomes dry. After this, garlic undergoes a sorting process. The smaller and cracked garlic are separated. The larger garlic with healthy cloves are separated.
The Chinese export larger-sized garlic to other countries. The smaller, cracked garlic is generally used in local markets. As you know, locals buy garlic and use it. So, those cracked garlic don’t have to undergo the storage process. Suppose cracked garlic is stored, and it starts to deteriorate very quickly. Due to sorting, bigger-sized and healthier garlic are exported.
Other countries that produce garlic don’t have such sorting systems. So, they export their garlic randomly. So, importing countries have to accept all sizes of garlic, including smaller, cracked, and larger sizes, which is not ideal. Thus, many countries prefer importing Chinese garlic on a large scale. Better quality assurance wins the trust of importing countries.
Chinese Garlic vs. Locally Grown Garlic
Garlic is grown in different parts of the world, not just in China. Other regions that produce garlic include Pakistan, USA, Australia, and the list goes on. However, Chinese garlic is different from locally produced garlic in many ways. The differences start with physical appearance and extend to the flavor.
Here is a table showing the differences between Chinese and locally produced garlic:
| Feature | Chinese Garlic | Locally Grown Garlic |
| Appearance | White, rootless, clean | Natural, varied color, with roots |
| Taste | Mild, less pungent | Strong, aromatic |
| Shelf Life | Long (chemically treated) | Shorter, sprouts quicker |
| Price | Generally Cheaper | Expensive |
| Bulb Size | Larger & healthier | Smaller and prone to disease |
| Cloves Quantity | Fewer but large size | More cloves with small size |
The major difference between Chinese and local garlic lies in their sprouting and root structure. The Chinese garlic does not sprout quickly when stored. It has a better shelf life. Moreover, Chinese garlic is not exported with roots. It is cleaner with a smooth surface. The local garlic has roots, and it sprouts quickly.
Countries That Import Garlic from China
As I mentioned earlier, garlic is cultivated worldwide. However, its quality and quantity are not as good as you get in China. For example, Pakistan grows garlic in a large area. However, this garlic is generally less healthy and smaller in size. Therefore, Pakistan must import garlic from China. Similarly, many other countries rely on China, either entirely or partially, for their garlic needs.
Here is the table showing the top countries that are active importers of Chinese garlic:
| Countries That Import Garlic from China | |||
| Indonesia | Vietnam | Malaysia | Pakistan |
| Bangladesh | Philippines | Brazil | UAE |
| United States | Netherlands | Russia | Sri Lanka |
| Saudi Arabia | Thailand | South Africa | Mexico |
| Iraq | Egypt | Canada | United Kingdom |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chinese garlic banned anywhere?
Chinese garlic is not officially banned anywhere. However, many countries have imposed high taxes and trade regulations. These regulations do not support garlic imports. For example, India has a strict policy against importing garlic from China to support local farmers.
How can I tell if garlic is from China?
Chinese garlic is generally white in color with a smooth appearance. It does not have roots when exported. Moreover, its taste is mild and less pungent. If you see these signs, it indicates garlic is from China.
Is Chinese garlic bleached?
Yes, some garlic suppliers and producers expose their garlic to bleaching agents. They do this to improve the color and overall physical appearance of their garlic.
What makes Chinese Garlic so special to import?
First, Garlic from China is cheap and inexpensive. Moreover, Chinese garlic is larger, healthier, and retains its good condition for a longer duration. Their shelf life is approximately 6 to 8 months, which increases their demand worldwide.
Conclusion
Garlic is in demand all over the world. Its usage in cooking is something we are all aware of! China is considered the hub for garlic production. Many farmers grow garlic on their land, achieving a sustainable living. Countries around the globe import garlic from China to fulfill their needs. In this article, I’ve explained all the key reasons why Chinese garlic is imported widely.