Beans market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the market volume for fresh or chilled beans in South Africa reached 25 364 t. That year, the Competition Commission launched a public market inquiry into the fresh produce sector to examine features that lessen competitiveness, aiming to promote competition and reduce barriers to entry. By 2019, the market volume fell to 21 130 t. In 2020, it saw a modest recovery to 21 649 t, a period during which dry bean production volumes showed fluctuations across provinces and South Africa sourced only 17% of its dry bean imports from the African continent.

From 2021 to 2023, the market volume stabilized around 21 000 t with minor variations, before declining to 19 614 t in 2023. Municipal fresh produce markets remained a critical channel, recording a turnover of R23.5 billion and serving as a source of fresh fruit and vegetables for approximately 43 million people.

By 2025, market dynamics were shaped by several key developments. The area planted and forecast production of dry beans increased significantly, with estimates rising by over 15% and 40% respectively compared to the previous season. South Africa gained access to high-value Asian markets such as China and India. The Competition Commission's Fresh Produce Market Inquiry report highlighted significant barriers to competition and recommended practical measures including policy reforms and support for small-scale farmers. Concurrently, economic pressures drove consumers toward home cooking and budget-friendly protein alternatives like beans and legumes.

Production beans in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of beans, 2018-2021

World map of production of beans, 2018-2021

South Africa's bean production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 20 977 tonnes of beans, which represents a moderate 7.1% decrease compared to 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 12.6%, with an average annual decline rate of 4.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports beans from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

Bean exports from South Africa have also dropped for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 975 tonnes, showing a significant year-over-year decline of 31.2%. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 60.2%, which translates to an average annual reduction of 26.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the three largest markets for South Africa's bean exports in volume terms were Eswatini, Botswana, and Lesotho. Together, these countries accounted for 76.9% of total export flows during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

In monetary terms, South Africa's bean exports have declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 1 143 thousand US dollars, down 7.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 32.9%, with an average annual decline of 12.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018-2021, the main buyers of South African beans by value were Eswatini (41.5% of exports), Lesotho (18.6%), and Botswana (16.7%). Collectively, these three markets represented 76.7% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports beans to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed considerable volatility during these years. The lowest point was recorded in 2019 at 473 tonnes, while imports peaked in 2018, creating an 8.1-fold difference between these two years. In 2021, South Africa imported 1 310 tonnes of beans, marking a sharp increase of 171.9% compared to 2020. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when imports fell by 87.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the United Arab Emirates (28.8% of imports by volume), China (26.7%), and Malawi (10.4%) remained the primary suppliers of beans to South Africa. Together, these three countries accounted for 65.9% of total import volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, South Africa's bean import value increased in 2021, reaching 1 479 thousand US dollars. This represents a substantial 62.7% rise compared to 2020. However, looking at the full 2018-2021 period, import value decreased by 25.8%, with an average annual decline of 9.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 909 thousand US dollars, while the largest single-year drop occurred in 2019 with a 47.4% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Kenya (28.0% of import value), Zambia (24.5%), and Mozambique (9.4%) were the main suppliers of beans to South Africa in monetary terms. These three countries together accounted for 61.9% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021