Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh garlic in Panama is an import-dependent market: UN Comtrade data compiled by WITS reports 2023 imports of HS 070320 (fresh or chilled garlic) at about USD 5.34 million (3,558,260 kg), sourced almost entirely from China. Domestic garlic is present in Panama’s highland horticulture area in Chiriquí (Tierras Altas/Cerro Punta), but public, product-specific national production statistics are not readily identifiable in the sources used, so imports appear to dominate supply. Import entry is controlled through MIDA’s plant quarantine process, including a phytosanitary import license requirement and inspection with potential measures up to rejection, re-export, or destruction if non-compliant. Commercial specifications commonly follow international fresh produce norms such as the UNECE FFV-18 garlic standard for quality classes, uniformity, and marking.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supplied primarily by imports, with limited domestic highland horticulture production
Specification
Physical Attributes- Minimum quality expectations in trade commonly include bulbs that are intact, sound, and clean, and free from abnormal external moisture and foreign smell/taste (UNECE FFV-18).
- Sprouting tolerance is managed in commercial grades (UNECE FFV-18).
Compositional Metrics- Sizing is commonly specified by maximum bulb diameter and uniformity within a package under UNECE FFV-18.
Grades- UNECE 'Extra' Class
- UNECE Class I
- UNECE Class II
Packaging- Packages are expected to be uniform in origin, variety/commercial type, quality, and size, and use clean materials that protect produce (UNECE FFV-18).
- Marking commonly includes nature of produce (e.g., 'Fresh garlic') and commercial type (e.g., 'White garlic') where contents are not visible (UNECE FFV-18).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Export packing/dispatch → ocean freight to Panama → port arrival → MIDA quarantine documentation review and inspection → release to importer/wholesaler distribution
Temperature- Quality is sensitive to warm, humid conditions that increase sprouting and mold risk; importers typically manage this through dry storage and controlled conditions during distribution.
Atmosphere Control- Ventilation and humidity control during storage/transport support quality retention by limiting condensation and sprouting pressure.
Shelf Life- Shelf life and marketability are highly affected by sprouting and mold development if handling breaks occur in warm/humid conditions.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with Panama’s MIDA plant quarantine import process (e.g., missing/incorrect vegetal import license or phytosanitary documentation, or inspection findings) can result in retention, required treatments, rejection, re-export, seizure, or destruction of fresh garlic consignments.Confirm the required MIDA import license and current phytosanitary conditions for the specific origin before shipping; align phytosanitary certificate details with shipping documents and ensure cargo is clean and free of soil/regulated pest risk indicators.
Supply Concentration MediumPanama’s reported 2023 imports of fresh or chilled garlic (HS 070320) were sourced almost entirely from China, creating exposure to single-origin shocks (policy changes, crop disruptions, logistics interruptions, or price spikes).Pre-qualify alternative origins and suppliers that can meet Panama’s import requirements; maintain contingency inventory planning for high-demand periods.
Logistics MediumLong-haul ocean logistics for imported garlic can introduce delay risk and landed-cost volatility; delays and poor handling raise sprouting/mold risk and can reduce saleable quality in Panama’s humid climate.Use robust moisture control and ventilation practices through the supply chain; plan longer lead times and specify handling/quality expectations aligned with UNECE FFV-18 classes.
FAQ
Which documents are commonly required to import fresh garlic into Panama?Importers typically need a vegetal import license handled through Panama’s MIDA quarantine process, plus a phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country’s plant protection authority. Commercial documents such as an invoice, packing list, and bill of lading/air waybill are also commonly required, and a certificate of origin may be needed depending on the tariff or buyer requirements.
Where does Panama source most of its imported fresh garlic?UN Comtrade data presented by WITS shows that Panama’s 2023 imports of fresh or chilled garlic (HS 070320) were sourced almost entirely from China.
Is there any domestic garlic production in Panama?Yes, domestic garlic is present in Panama’s highland horticulture zone in Chiriquí (Tierras Altas/Cerro Punta), where local sellers market garlic among other vegetables. However, the sources used do not provide a comprehensive national production statistic for garlic, and import data indicates imports dominate overall supply.