Dried shelled beans market in Brazil

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Brazilian dried shelled beans market showed variable volume, peaking at 3.0 million tons in 2020 before contracting in 2021. A persistent long-term driver was the reduction in bean planting area as farmers shifted to more profitable soybeans, particularly in key states like Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraná. This trend was exacerbated by the dismantling of public support programs for smallholders, such as Pronaf, which reduced incentives for bean cultivation.

Production challenges intensified from 2021 onward due to the recurring impact of El Niño, which brought drought and extreme heat to major producing states including Minas Gerais and São Paulo. These conditions lowered seed germination and productivity, especially in the second harvest, leading to a noticeable supply shortfall. Consequently, bean prices surged sharply, with a sack reaching R$ 350 in 2022, reflecting severe market tightness.

The scarcity of the popular carioca bean variety prompted consumers to diversify consumption toward black beans, helping to sustain domestic demand. Concurrently, the government attempted to organize production by setting planting start dates, but the market remained under pressure due to low stocks and high price volatility. Ultimately, market volume stabilized around 2.8–2.9 million tons in 2022–2023, showing a modest recovery after the 2021 decline.

Production dried shelled beans in Brazil

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Brazil maintained its position as the world's third-largest producer of dried shelled beans by volume.

Top producers of dried shelled beans, 2018-2021

World map of production of dried shelled beans, 2018-2021

In 2021, Brazil produced 2 901 thousand tonnes of dried shelled beans, which represents a 4.5% decrease compared to 2020. Production peaked in 2020 at 3 036 thousand tonnes, marking the largest annual increase of 4.4% during this period.

Annual dynamics of production in Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports dried shelled beans from Brazil

Exports in kind, K t

Brazil's exports of dried shelled beans have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2021, export volume reached 223.7 thousand tonnes, showing a significant year-on-year increase of 26.6%. Between 2018 and 2021, exports rose by 37.5%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 11.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, India, Vietnam, and Pakistan were the primary markets for Brazil's dried shelled bean exports in volume terms. India accounted for 43.2% of exports, Vietnam for 24.3%, and Pakistan for 7.5%, together representing 75.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Brazil's dried shelled bean exports have increased in value for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports amounted to 212.1 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp rise of 43.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 131%, with a compound annual growth rate of 32.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, India, Vietnam, and Pakistan were the three main markets for Brazil's dried shelled bean exports in value terms, collectively accounting for 73.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports dried shelled beans to Brazil

Imports in kind, K t

The import market for dried shelled beans in Brazil showed an unstable trend during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports totaled 83.1 thousand tonnes, representing a steep decline of 26.8% from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 150.8 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 85.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Argentina was the key and nearly exclusive source for Brazil's imports of dried shelled beans in volume terms, accounting for 92.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The import value data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports were at their lowest in 2018 and reached their peak in 2019, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, the value of dried shelled bean imports into Brazil amounted to 60.7 million US dollars, down by 22.3% from 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 99.5 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 91.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Brazil in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Argentina remained the dominant and almost sole source for Brazil's imports of dried shelled beans in value terms, with a share of 92.0%.

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

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