Normal garlic

When sourcing Normal Garlic (also known as Regular White Garlic or Hybrid Garlic), buyers must focus on bulb diameter, firmness, and cleanliness. Standard export grades usually range from 4.5cm to 6.5cm+. Ensure the garlic is plump, with no mechanical injuries, sprouts, or mold. The outer skin should be intact and white with slight purple stripes, which is characteristic of the 'Normal White' variety compared to the 'Pure White' variety.

Garlic is a living organism; therefore, moisture content must be below 65% to prevent rot. For cross-border trade, garlic should be shipped in reefer containers at a temperature of -3°C to 0°C with a ventilation setting of 15-20 CBM/h. Ensure the supplier provides phytosanitary certificates and adheres to GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) to guarantee the product is free from soil and pests like the stem nematode.

Normal Garlic is versatile and sourced for wholesale vegetable markets, food processing plants (for garlic powder/flakes), and the catering industry. Depending on the end-use, you can request different packaging such as 10kg/20kg mesh bags for retail or 5kg/10kg cartons for high-end supermarkets. For industrial use, peeled garlic cloves in vacuum bags are often preferred to reduce labor costs.

The biggest risks are market price volatility and quality degradation during transit. Garlic prices fluctuate daily based on harvest cycles in major regions like Jinxiang, China. To mitigate risk, use SGS or Intertek third-party inspections before loading. Ensure the contract specifies weight loss allowances (usually 3-5%) due to natural dehydration during sea freight.

Many countries impose anti-dumping duties or strict quotas on garlic imports (e.g., the US, EU, and Brazil). Always verify the HS Code (typically 070320) and check for preferential tariff treatments under specific trade agreements. Ensure your supplier on Made-in-China.com can provide a Certificate of Origin to facilitate customs clearance and potential tax reductions.

Focus on transparency regarding the crop year; 'Old Crop' is cheaper but has a shorter shelf life than 'New Crop'. Negotiate based on payment terms like LC (Letter of Credit) or DP (Documents against Payment) for large volumes to ensure transaction security. For long-term partnerships, request a fixed-price contract for a specific duration to hedge against seasonal price spikes.