Beans market in Malawi

Earlier Report Observations

Malawi's market for fresh or chilled beans underwent a severe contraction in 2019, with production falling by approximately 50% to 14 013 t and market volume dropping to 13 996 t. The following year brought a substantial recovery as production jumped to 18 290 t, lifting the market size to 18 160 t.

From 2020 through 2023, the market entered a phase of stability. Production levels remained consistently between 18 372 t and 18 454 t annually, with corresponding market volumes fluctuating only slightly around 18 000 t. During this period, exports grew steadily while imports remained negligible, confirming domestic output as the primary market driver.

Production beans in Malawi

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of beans, 2017-2020

The market experienced significant fluctuations during this period. Production reached its highest point in 2018 at 27,971 tonnes, followed by its lowest point in 2019 at 14,013 tonnes, representing a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Malawi produced 18,290 tonnes of beans, marking a 30.5% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 49.9% drop, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with a 98.8% rise.

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

Exports beans from Malawi

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. From 2017 to 2020, exports varied dramatically, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 67,325 times. In 2020, Malawi's bean export volume was 134.7 tonnes, reflecting a sharp year-over-year increase of 348.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 70.8%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 5,145,450.0% surge.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the United States were the primary buyers of beans from Malawi. Zimbabwe accounted for 34.4% of exports in kind, South Africa for 32.7%, and the United States for 14.4%. Together, these three countries represented 81.4% of Malawi's total bean exports in kind during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export values peaked in 2018 at 237.3 thousand US dollars and hit their lowest point in 2017, showing a 49,544-fold shift between these years. In 2020, Malawi exported 74.0 thousand US dollars worth of beans, indicating a 252.7% increase relative to the prior year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 91.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 4,954,348.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—the United States, Zimbabwe, and Germany—collectively absorbed 89.1% of the total value of bean exports from Malawi.

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

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

Imports beans to Malawi

Imports in kind, t

Bean imports into Malawi declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Malawi imported 4.4 tonnes of beans, down by 66.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 96%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -65.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, two countries—the United States and Tanzania—dominated bean imports in kind to Malawi, while other markets played a less significant role individually.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Bean imports into Malawi fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, the import value stood at 3.7 thousand US dollars, showing a 48.6% year-over-year decrease. From 2017 to 2020, imports dropped by 96.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -68.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the country structure of imports in value terms was heavily concentrated on the United States, which accounted for 79.5% of total flows. Other partners made up the remaining volume.

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

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