2024
The 2023 harvest saw an increase of approximately 2,000 lbs, coming to 27,500 lbs for the season. Demand for the fresh will continue to be strong this season. The dry market may realize a slower turnover as economic conditions in Hong Kong and mainland China are stressed.
2023
Total harvest for 2022 was a nominal change from 2021, resulting in a harvest of approximately 28,000 lbs. This is the first year of recent in which the harvest stabilized and did not decline.
Domestic demand for Fresh Wild American Ginseng continues to increase as popularity of the health benefits becomes more widespread. As such, AG expects the 2023 Fresh harvest volume to be similar to the prior year and for the market demand to be strong.
The carry over inventory of Dry within the USA is little to none. However, as the global economy struggles and consumers look for alternatives, there will likely be pressure on the dry market this season.
2022
The trend of lower volume harvests continued to be evident in 2021. The average harvest in 2015 and prior years was 62,000 lbs, which dropped to 41,500 lbs for 2016-2018, and then further decreased to 31,500 lbs for 2019-2020. With final figures still being reported for 2021, the expected harvest is approximately 28,000 lbs.
The domestic USA demand for Fresh Wild American Ginseng continues to grow each year as its health benefits become more widely recognized and desired. AG expects the 2022 Fresh season to be marked by another low harvest and strong demand.
The international market, which is the largest consumer of Dry Wild American Ginseng, is facing difficulties transporting product from Hong Kong to Mainland China with a large percentage of last year's harvest still in Hong Kong.
2021
The prior season was another record low in terms of the harvest volume. In addition, the international markets have stabilized in relation to the COVID impacts and demand is once again increasing for Wild American Ginseng. The carry over inventory is minimal to none in the USA leading into the upcoming season. AG expects the 2021 season to be marked by high demand and low supply. However, due to USA government operational delays, CITES export permits for are being delayed. Prior year renewals are several months behind issuance; which adds concern to the timeline of when, and if, the issuance of 2021 CITES export permit will occur.
2020
Continuing the trend of prior seasons, the 2019 season resulted in another low harvest year. With the entrance of the coronavirus, COVID-19, sales slowed and over 2,000 lbs of unsold root is being carried over by USA dealers. Internationally, Hong Kong has faced reduced sales amidst the COVID-19 shutdowns and less tourists traveling from mainland China is continuing to affect retail sales. In addition, uncertainty surrounds the China and Hong Kong relation in regards to the imposition of trade tariffs on American Ginseng. Due to these factors and the ongoing COVID-19 unpredictability, there could be significant pressure on the market for this upcoming season.
2019
Due to favorable weather conditions, the 2018 digging season extended an extra two weeks. This resulted in an unforeseen increase in ginseng inventory in the market, which caused prices to drop mid-season 2018 and an increase in the total harvest of approximately 2,000 pounds compared to 2017. By mid 2019, this excess inventory has cleared its way from the USA dealers. The 2019 season will be dependent on the continued trade negotiations with China, and their economy, as well as the political unrest in Hong Kong, which has caused a decrease in mainland China tourists coming to HK for retail shopping. The expectation is that the 2019 will be stable and start off following 2018's end of season sales that were depressed and on a softer note than the start of 2018.
2018
Due to another low volume harvest season in 2017 and lack of carry-over inventory, a stable season with a strong demand for quality root is expected. However, there are potential unknown effects on the market due to the increased tariffs and growing anti-American product sentiment among international consumers resulting from the escalating trade war.
2017
Last season's harvest was considerably below the normal harvest of 60,000 lbs. In addition, China's economy continued to slow, resulting in a weaker demand and pricing for wild ginseng. However, the smaller dig helped to clear out existing inventory still held by many USA dealers. AG expects stable market conditions for the upcoming season.
2016
Due to one of the main supporters of the wild ginseng market going through a restructuring and the continued growth of inventory carried over in Asia, along with approximately 8,000-10,000 lbs of unsold root carried over by USA dealers, we expect the demand for dry wild ginseng will be weak and that market prices will open approximately $200 less than seen in the previous year. These factors will also impact the fresh market.
2015
AG expects prices to open $100 to $150 per pound less than those seen in late November and early December 2014. This expectation is subject to market variations and 2015 growing conditions.
2014
Due to various changes in China’s commerce regulations, profitability of upscale restaurants and luxury retailers declined. For example, sales in designer handbags decreased nearly 30% within the country. These changes in commerce also affected the wild American ginseng market, as the highly sought after wild American ginseng was frequently given as honored gifts. The increase in ginseng supply, coupled with the changes in China’s commerce regulations, caused prices to fall $300 to $400 USD per pound from 2013 highs.
2013
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports 19,360 more pounds of dry ginseng were harvested in 2013 than in 2012. Despite the increase in supply, record prices (nominal) were realized for ginseng throughout the season.