Beans market in ECOWAS

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled beans in the ECOWAS region showed a mixed volume trajectory from 2018 to 2023. Consumption in physical terms fluctuated, starting at 80.5 thousand tons in 2018, rising to 82.8 thousand tons the following year, before dipping to 79.4 and 77.6 thousand tons in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The market then recovered to 81.2 thousand tons in 2022 and reached 84.8 thousand tons by 2023. In contrast, the market value demonstrated consistent growth, climbing from $109.7 million in 2018 to $147.0 million in 2023, indicating a trend of rising prices or a shift towards higher-value products over the period.

This market movement occurred alongside a steady increase in domestic production, which grew from 96.1 thousand tons to 102.3 thousand tons over the same six years. Export volumes were variable, peaking at 24.8 thousand tons in 2021, while import levels remained minimal throughout the period, highlighting the region's self-sufficiency in bean production.

By 2024, broader trends began influencing the sector. The growing popularity of vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian diets increased demand for plant-based proteins like beans. Furthermore, the sector saw professionalization, with export companies in Côte d'Ivoire launching Global GAP certified bean production campaigns, improving product quality and market structure.

Production beans in ECOWAS

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of beans, 2017-2020

ECOWAS has seen its bean production rise for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 98 390 tonnes of beans, marking a 1.9% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in ECOWAS in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

ECOWAS has experienced a third consecutive year of growth in bean production value. In 2020, the output of beans was valued at 148.3 million US dollars in the region, representing a 10.4% year-on-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, the value of production rose by 22.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 7.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports beans from ECOWAS

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, ECOWAS exported 19 344 tonnes of beans, a 39.3% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 28.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.6%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 13 886 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 11.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ECOWAS in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Italy, and the United Kingdom were the main markets for ECOWAS's bean exports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 63.7% of exports, Italy for 14.6%, and the United Kingdom for 8.9%. Together, these three countries represented 87.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from ECOWAS in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, ECOWAS's bean exports reached 29.165 million US dollars, a 50.8% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 45.9%, averaging an annual rate of 13.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 19.336 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 9.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, the value of bean exports from ECOWAS was highly concentrated, with the Netherlands and Italy together accounting for 82.9% of total flows. Other trading partners made up the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020

Imports beans to ECOWAS

Imports in kind, t

The import market showed volatility over the observed period. Imports peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2018, with a 6.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, ECOWAS imported approximately 306 tonnes of beans, a 122.3% increase year-on-year. The minimum volume was 119 tonnes in 2018, which also saw the largest decline of 85.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ECOWAS in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, ECOWAS's bean imports in volume terms were highly diversified. Turkey accounted for 12.7% of imports, Belgium for 1.9%, and India for 1.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 16.4% of total flows, with the remaining 83.6% coming from a wide range of smaller markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to ECOWAS in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market exhibited volatility during these years. The value peaked in 2017 and reached its minimum in 2019, with a 4.2-fold variation between these extremes. In 2020, ECOWAS's bean imports totaled 485 000 US dollars, a 318.9% increase from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 116 000 US dollars, while the largest decline of 61.5% occurred in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Over 2017-2020, the value of bean imports to ECOWAS was widely dispersed across partner countries. Turkey accounted for 11.2% of imports, Belgium for 4.8%, and the United Kingdom for 3.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 19.8% of total flows, with the rest spread among numerous other markets.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to ECOWAS in value, 2017-2020