Beans market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The bean market in MERCOSUR experienced consistent growth in physical volume from 2018 to 2023, with the total market size rising from 53 860 t to 55 282 t. This steady expansion reflected a gradual increase in domestic production, which climbed from 53 856 t to 55 299 t over the same period, as cross-border trade played a negligible role with imports and exports remaining minimal.

In value terms, the market displayed notable volatility despite the stable volume growth. The market value peaked at 142.3 million USD in 2022 after recovering from a significant drop to 95.2 million USD in 2020. This fluctuation in monetary terms suggests shifting price levels or product mix within the bean sector during the observed years.

The market remained largely self-sufficient, with imports and exports each accounting for less than 20 t annually throughout the period. Consequently, the market size closely mirrored domestic production figures, indicating that local supply was the primary determinant of availability.

Production beans in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of beans, 2017-2020

MERCOSUR's bean production volume has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production remained stable at 54 328 tonnes, matching the 2019 level.

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

Exports beans from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, kg

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 2 033 kg, then peaked in 2017 with a fluctuation of 12.2 times between these years. In 2020, MERCOSUR's bean export volume was recorded at 9 771 kg, marking a significant increase of 32.8% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 91.8%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 261.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from MERCOSUR in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Marshall Islands were the key partners for exports in kind. Costa Rica accounted for 54.7% of exports, Panama for 8.1%, and the Marshall Islands for 6.9%, together making up 69.6% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 4 409 US dollars, then peaked in 2020 with a gap of 3.9 times between these years. In 2020, MERCOSUR exported 17 120 US dollars worth of beans, which is 1.0% higher than in 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 56.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 284.5%.

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

The market base for exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was broad. Costa Rica accounted for 15.8% of exports, Panama for 13.1%, and the Marshall Islands for 11.8%, jointly representing 40.8% of total flows. The remaining 59.2% was distributed among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports beans to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, kg

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 1 726 kg, then peaked in 2018 with a fluctuation of 3.5 times between these years. In 2020, MERCOSUR's imported bean volume reached 2 871 kg, up by 66.3% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 5 970 kg, with the largest decline in 2019 at 71.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to MERCOSUR in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, China was the main partner for imports in kind, accounting for 1.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 2 567 US dollars, then peaked in 2018 with a gap of 3.3 times between these years. In 2020, MERCOSUR's bean deliveries totaled 4 456 US dollars, which is 73.6% higher than the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 8 573 US dollars, with the largest decline in 2019 at 70.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China played a central role in imports in value terms, accounting for 6.7% of total flows.

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

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