Beans market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh beans market in Northern Africa began the period with a domestic volume of 509 thousand tons in 2018, supported by the development of bean cultivation in Morocco and Egypt. Lower production costs and the ability to harvest off-season allowed these countries to supply the European market year-round, establishing North Africa as a key exporter. However, from 2019 to 2021, the domestic market volume contracted, falling to 453 thousand tons by 2021. During these years, strong European demand—particularly from France, where prices for fresh beans rose due to adverse weather and higher production costs—kept exports high, diverting production away from local consumption.

A turning point came in 2022 when domestic volume jumped to 523 thousand tons, reaching 535 thousand tons in 2023. This growth coincided with a decline in exports, as inflation in Europe altered consumer behavior. French shoppers, facing higher food prices, increasingly opted for canned vegetables instead of fresh, reducing demand for imported fresh beans from North Africa. With less produce sent abroad, more beans remained available for the regional market, boosting local volume.

The market's value followed a similar pattern, rising from $903 million in 2018 to $1 198 million in 2023, reflecting both volume recovery and higher prices influenced by global inflationary pressures.

Production beans in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of beans, 2017-2020

Northern Africa's bean production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 620.5 thousand tonnes of beans, which represents a 2.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 11%, with an average annual decline rate of 3.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of bean production in Northern Africa was 1 110 million US dollars, showing a significant year-on-year drop of 11.1%. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 20.5%, with an average annual decline of 7.3%. The largest decrease occurred in 2018 at 13.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 3.9%.

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

Exports beans from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Bean exports from Northern Africa have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 150.8 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 1.7% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 7.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 168.6 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 9.0%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 20.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, France, and the Netherlands were the main markets for bean exports from Northern Africa in volume terms. Spain accounted for 55.2% of exports, France for 17.5%, and the Netherlands for 15.2%. Together, these three countries represented 87.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, Northern Africa's bean export value declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 269.9 million US dollars, marking a significant year-on-year decrease of 10.3%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value fell by 3.8%, with an average annual decline of 1.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 300.8 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 6.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Spain, France, and the Netherlands—together accounted for 86.7% of the total value of bean exports from Northern Africa.

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

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

Imports beans to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, K t

The import market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. In 2020, imports reached their lowest point at 0.1 thousand tonnes, marking a 74.9% contraction compared to 2019. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 1.0 thousand tonnes, reflecting a 9-fold difference between these years. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 90.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for bean imports to Northern Africa in volume terms were China, the United States, and Italy. China accounted for 48.8% of imports, the United States for 2.1%, and Italy for 1.2%. Together, these three countries represented 52.0% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Bean imports to Northern Africa have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 0.2 million US dollars, representing a steep 69.0% fall compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 84.4%, with an average annual decline rate of 46.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates formed the key group of partners for bean imports to Northern Africa in value terms. China accounted for 48.6% of imports, the United States for 4.2%, and the United Arab Emirates for 1.8%. Together, these three countries represented 54.7% of total import flows.

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

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