Investigations have been launched into the appearance of a large amount of imported garlic on the South African market during August and September which, it is suspected, was imported illegally. The oversupply dragged down the garlic market to abnormally low levels, to the detriment of domestic producers.

In the past few months, more garlic has been harvested in the northern hemisphere than in the previous season, so there are rising concerns for the future. Prices are under pressure and, according to growers in different countries, they have actually dropped to unbearable levels. There is a similar situation everywhere in the world.

There is currently a surplus of garlic on the world market. In Spain, the harvest has been good for a few years in a row, and a new one will start in May. In China, the price of garlic has risen against everyone's expectations as a result of price speculation. The high price of garlic persists and that doesn't make Chinese garlic attractive for export.

The health benefits of black garlic have been known for centuries. It was part of the daily diet of the ancient Egyptians and ancient Chinese, famously given to Roman soldiers to increase their strength and stamina, and its medicinal uses were codified in ancient Egyptian and Indian medical texts.

The prices paid for Chinese garlic have fluctuated a lot lately.

The garlic market is virtually empty. Stocks are very limited and the little that comes in is quickly sold out. In South Africa this is currently resulting in very high prices on the domestic market.

On the global garlic market, prices are currently rising, mainly in Europe.

The market for garlic is strong in most areas at the moment, as most nations continue to demand the flavourful bulb.