Spanish garlic exports are being affected by the current logistics situation since the war broke out in Ukraine, which has further aggravated the problems that had been dragging on due to the collateral effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We are having serious problems in European ports for shipments of garlic, which is greatly affecting this sector," says Luis Fernando Rubio, director of the National Association of Garlic Producers and Marketers. "It should be remembered that the export of Spanish garlic accounts for almost 60% of its production."
"Although the carriers' strike in recent weeks in Spain has hurt us, we have been able to cope with it as best we could. However, the situation is much more serious in the ports, many of them overwhelmed by the merchandise that has not been able to be shipped. to Russia and that is still relocating. There are ports like Valencia where containers are not even admitted for shipment. The war has worsened logistics already affected by the pandemic crisis, "explains Luis Fernando Rubio.
"There really isn't a shortage of garlic in the market, but the complications for the merchandise to reach its destination are enormous," he says.
From the ANPCA, a letter has been sent to the European Commission reporting the situation, which affects all European garlic, in addition to also communicating it to the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Tourism, in order to find a solution to this problem. The Spanish-Franco-Italian Joint Committee plans to meet this week to analyze the situation, as well as the next garlic campaign.
The area in Spain will increase slightly, although it decreases in Andalusia
The forecasts seem to have come true and this year the area planted with garlic will increase slightly compared to last year. It should be noted that the declaration of drought in the producing areas of Andalusia has caused a displacement toward Castilla-La Mancha. Thus, the decrease in the area in Andalusia is notable, while it increases in Castilla-La Mancha. In addition, although in recent years the sowing of spring garlic has been gaining ground over that of purple garlic, this year this trend has stopped.