By 2026, the export of pickled garlic from China will exhibit a core trend of "continued growth in total volume driven by cost, but facing the dual pressures of intensified international competition and trade barriers, the industry is seeking breakthroughs through value chain upgrades.".
Benefiting from the raw material cost advantage brought by the bumper garlic harvest in 2025, the export volume is expected to continue its robust growth momentum since 2022. However, the rise in rigid costs such as domestic labor and warehousing, as well as fierce price competition from countries like Egypt, will partially offset the benefits brought by the reduction in raw material prices. Growth will be driven more by deep-processed products that meet the three major consumer trends of global convenience, health, and flavor diversity. Traditional bulk salted garlic will continue to maintain its scale advantage in price-sensitive markets (such as Southeast Asia), while organic, branded, and new flavor retail products targeting high-end markets (such as the United States and the European Union) will become a new engine for value growth.
The low-price period of raw materials in 2025-2026 is a "golden window period" for processing and exporting. Enterprises should continue to deeply cultivate the Southeast Asian market and leverage the tariff benefits of free trade agreements such as RCEP to consolidate price advantages. At the same time, in response to the specific needs of markets such as the United States and South Korea, they should develop high value-added products and win through quality and innovation. The greatest uncertainty comes from international competition and trade barriers. Export enterprises must regard addressing technical barriers and geopolitical risks as their core competitiveness. The key to success lies not only in complying with the regulations of various markets, but also in building brand trust through obtaining international certifications and establishing a fully traceable system, so as to stand out in competition with rivals such as Spain (high quality) and Egypt (low cost).
For relevant enterprises, the key to success in 2026 lies in whether they can successfully navigate the complex international trade environment by leveraging the cost window brought by the "garlic cycle" while achieving technological upgrading, product innovation, and transparent management of the supply chain, thereby truly transforming China's cost advantage into a sustainable, value-centered competitive advantage in the global market.
Post time: Jan-14-2026
