Due to the high prices in China, Chinese garlic prices have been good in the local market, according to traders.
“Garlic price has been rising again recently. However, garlic is also produced in southern Shan State. The retail price for Chinese garlic is now about K12,000-K13,000, up from K8,300 in Mandalay. Chinese garlic prices have climbed up sharply. It is uncertain what will happen when Shan State-produced garlic enters the market. Chinese garlic prices have also increased in China and Mandalay. Price may go down when garlic from Shan State is available in the market, and Chinese garlic demand becomes low. Chinese garlic is used mainly by restaurants,” said a garlic trader in Mandalay.
The wholesale price of garlic grown in Taunggyi, Shan State, is now between K18,000 and K30,000 per viss.
Due to the high price of Chinese garlic, locally-grown garlic is now priced up to K20,000, up from the previous price of around K8,000 in the wholesale market.
“Shan State garlic is now harvested. Currently, the smallest size of garlic price is now nearly K18,000. Normally, Shan State-produced garlic price is around K7,000 or K8,000. Chinese garlic prices have surged dramatically. When garlic is produced from Monywa, the market will plunge, especially Taunggyi garlic price, which will plunge in the next two months,” said a garlic trader in Lashio.
However, newly harvested garlic is available, garlic prices have mounted, the supply of garlic imported from China has now decreased due to transportation difficulty, and locally-grown garlic demand has been high.
In the second week of February, the price of locally-produced garlic dropped below K10,000, but due to high demand, the price is now K12,000-K13,000 per viss. In previous years, garlic prices were regularly around K5,000, and this year, they have increased. — Thit Taw/ZS/ED
