Dried shelled beans market in Malawi

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the dried shelled beans market in Malawi experienced significant expansion, with market volume rising from 211.3 thousand tons to 283.5 thousand tons as production increased from 230.6 thousand tons to 286.2 thousand tons. Growth moderated in 2021 and 2022, with the market size declining to 264.2 thousand tons, before rebounding to 274.4 thousand tons in 2023 while production reached 291.8 thousand tons.

The market recovery in 2023 was supported by the Agricultural Commercialisation (AGCOM) Project, a government programme shifting smallholder farming toward commercial production, which improved market linkages and sustainability for bean crops. Concurrently, the harmonization of seed regulations with regional standards and the alignment of the national agricultural investment plan fostered a more conducive environment for production and market growth.

Production dried shelled beans in Malawi

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Malawi was among the world's leading producers of dried shelled beans from 2017 to 2020, ranking 27th globally by production volume.

Top producers of dried shelled beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled beans, 2017-2020

Dried shelled bean production in Malawi increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 286.2 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate 8.0% rise from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 16%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%. The lowest production was recorded in 2018 at 230.6 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 6.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 14.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Malawi's dried shelled bean production value increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 333.8 million US dollars, showing a strong 23.7% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 5.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 264.0 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 16.5%.

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

Exports dried shelled beans from Malawi

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 7.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Malawi exported 2 735 tonnes of dried shelled beans, reflecting a strong 18.9% decline from the prior year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 19 615 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 82.8%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 692.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the United Arab Emirates were consistently the main destinations for Malawi's dried shelled bean exports in volume terms. South Africa accounted for 69.0% of exports, Zimbabwe for 7.8%, and the United Arab Emirates for 5.6%. Together, these three markets represented 82.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited notable volatility during this period. Export value reached its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 7.1-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Malawi's dried shelled bean export value was 3 191 thousand US dollars, showing a limited 7.1% year-on-year decline. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 22 455 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 84.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 607.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the United Arab Emirates remained the primary markets for Malawi's dried shelled bean exports in value terms. South Africa accounted for 69.8% of export value, Zimbabwe for 7.7%, and the United Arab Emirates for 3.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented 81.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports dried shelled beans to Malawi

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes displayed considerable volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2017, with a 6.9-fold difference. In 2020, Malawi imported 104 tonnes of dried shelled beans, constituting an 85.4% decrease compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 122.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malawi's imports of dried shelled beans in volume terms were highly concentrated, with Tanzania and the United States together accounting for 89.4% of total flows. Other trading partners formed a minor residual share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values declined to their lowest level in 2020 after peaking in 2017, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 22 times. In 2020, imported dried shelled bean volumes in Malawi reached 33 thousand US dollars, marking an 88.8% decrease compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 42.8%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the United States and Tanzania accounted for the majority of Malawi's dried shelled bean imports in value terms, while other markets represented a less significant portion.

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

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