Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh garlic is a domestically produced staple vegetable in Pakistan, but national supply does not consistently meet consumption needs and imports are used to bridge the deficit. A January 2026 government market bulletin reports national garlic production of 116,166 tons versus estimated consumption of 162,747 tons in FY 2024–25, alongside continued reliance on imports from China. Market availability is seasonal and regionally staggered, with Punjab supply typically appearing March–May, Sindh March–April, and KP/Balochistan May–June. Trade data for HS 070320 indicate Pakistan is a net importer, with substantially higher import values than exports in 2023.
Market RoleNet importer with significant domestic production (import-dependent off-season supply)
Domestic RoleHigh-frequency household and foodservice ingredient; domestic production supplemented by imports during supply gaps
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityLocal garlic availability in markets is seasonal and varies by province, with spring availability in Punjab and Sindh and later availability in KP and Balochistan.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Commercial quality requirements in export-oriented channels commonly reference bulbs being intact, sound, clean, and free of pests/decay consistent with UNECE FFV-18.
- Dry outer skins and absence of excessive moisture are important to reduce post-harvest deterioration during storage and transport.
Grades- UNECE FFV-18 quality classes (Extra, Class I, Class II) are commonly used as reference points for commercial grading in international trade.
Packaging- Ventilated packaging (e.g., mesh or ventilated cartons) and clear package marking elements aligned with UNECE FFV-18 are commonly used in formal trade channels.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Harvest/field lifting → curing/drying → trimming/cleaning → grading/sorting → packing → wholesale markets (mandis) and/or export dispatch → retailer/foodservice distribution
Temperature- Dry, well-ventilated handling and storage reduce sprouting and decay risk; moisture/condensation during handling increases deterioration risk.
Atmosphere Control- Ventilation is important during storage and transport to reduce humidity buildup and associated mold/rot risk.
Shelf Life- A PARC technical report notes garlic bulbs can be stored for about 3–4 months in a well-ventilated room (conditions and outcomes vary by variety and handling).
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighImport clearance can be blocked if the shipment lacks a valid DPP import permit and required phytosanitary documentation, or if inspection/treatment requirements are not met; exports similarly depend on meeting importing-country phytosanitary requirements for DPP certification.Confirm commodity- and origin-specific DPP import permit requirements before shipment; align pre-shipment inspection/treatment and documentation with DPP/PSW workflows and importing-country phytosanitary conditions.
Supply Volatility MediumDomestic garlic availability is seasonal and staggered by province; government market analysis reports a national production-consumption deficit (FY 2024–25), increasing reliance on imports (notably from China) during domestic supply gaps and supporting price volatility.Plan procurement around provincial availability windows (spring/early summer) and secure import contingencies for off-season periods; use staggered sourcing across provinces to smooth supply.
Food Safety MediumPesticide-residue compliance is a trade risk for fresh vegetables; buyers and regulators may test against applicable MRL regimes (Codex MRLs and/or destination-country limits), and non-compliance can lead to rejection or recalls.Implement pre-harvest interval controls and residue testing aligned to target-market MRLs; maintain spray records and supplier compliance audits.
Plant Health MediumA PARC technical report notes downy mildew can attack garlic during February under cloudy conditions in some years, contributing to yield and quality risk in affected production areas.Use integrated disease management (field monitoring, resistant/appropriate varieties where available, and timely interventions) and diversify sourcing regions to reduce localized outbreak exposure.
Logistics MediumImport reliance (especially from China) increases exposure to freight disruptions, port congestion, and documentation delays, which can degrade quality and raise landed costs for fresh garlic.Build lead-time buffers for import seasons, pre-clear documents through PSW where applicable, and use packaging that supports ventilation and quality preservation during delays.
FAQ
When is Pakistan’s local garlic typically available in markets by province?A January 2026 government market bulletin reports typical market availability windows as: Punjab (March–May), Sindh (March–April), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (May–June), and Balochistan (May–June).
What documents are commonly required to import fresh garlic into Pakistan?Pakistan’s Department of Plant Protection (DPP) states that imports require a valid DPP import permit, and release/clearance documentation commonly includes a phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country plus standard trade documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list, and transport documents; treatment documents may be required depending on conditions.
Which countries are the main import source and export destinations for Pakistan’s fresh/chilled garlic trade (HS 070320)?UN Comtrade data shown via the World Bank WITS portal indicate China is the dominant import origin for Pakistan’s HS 070320 imports in 2023, while export destinations in 2023 include Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and Afghanistan.
Which districts are highlighted as major garlic-producing areas in Punjab?A January 2026 government market bulletin lists major garlic-producing districts in Punjab as Sahiwal, Attock, Rahim Yar Khan, Layyah, Toba Tek Singh, Faisalabad, and Mandi Bahauddin.