Beans market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled beans in Southern Asia expanded consistently from 2 636 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 3 248 thousand tonnes in 2023. This growth was interrupted only by a minor stabilization in 2020, followed by a notable surge of 11.6% in 2021, lifting the market volume to over 3 million tonnes. Production increases mirrored this trend, rising from 2 650 thousand tonnes to 3 259 thousand tonnes over the same period.

By 2024, evolving consumer preferences began to shape the market environment. A strong shift toward supporting local farmers and a demand for sustainably sourced food gained traction, particularly in India, influencing fresh produce consumption. This was coupled with a growing preference for fresher, minimally processed alternatives and clean-label products, while the rise of ready-to-eat food segments emphasized convenience and health. Packaging improvements aimed at preserving freshness also emerged as relevant factors for the market.

Production beans in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of beans, 2017-2020

Southern Asia's bean production saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2020, the region produced 2 703 K t of beans, representing a slight year-over-year drop of 0.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 13.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 2 724 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 11.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports beans from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Exports from Southern Asia reached 15 715 t of beans in 2020, showing a strong 21.7% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 3.9%, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2018 at 216.7%. From 2017 to 2020, exports fluctuated considerably, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 3.7 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates dominated Southern Asia's bean exports in kind, jointly accounting for 83.1% of total flows. Other countries held significantly smaller shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations throughout the period. Southern Asia's bean exports totaled 6 325 K $ US in 2020, marking a substantial decline of 18.9% compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 7 796 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 308.8%. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, showing a 4.8-fold fluctuation between these years.

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

During 2017-2020, Iraq (41.0% of exports in value terms), the United Arab Emirates (29.3%), and Qatar (14.8%) together accounted for 85.1% of total bean export value from Southern Asia, remaining the primary destinations for the region's beans.

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

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

Imports beans to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Southern Asia imported 81 t of beans in 2020, representing a sharp decrease of 61.4% compared to 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 21.8%. Imports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 3.3-fold difference between these years.

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

The import market for beans in kind was broadly diversified from 2017 to 2020. The United Arab Emirates (6.3% of imports in kind), Myanmar (2.6%), and Thailand (2.5%) together accounted for just 11.4% of total flows, with the remaining 88.6% shared among numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, Southern Asia's bean imports from abroad declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 373 K $ US, which is 41.1% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 21%, with an average annual decline of 7.6%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 2 332 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred that same year at 31.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates (9.4% of imports in value terms), Thailand (5.4%), and Australia (1.2%) were among the largest suppliers of beans to Southern Asia. However, even combined, they represented just 16.0% of total import value, indicating a highly diversified partner base.

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

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