Dried shelled beans market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for dried shelled beans in MERCOSUR increased from 3 027 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 3 261 thousand tons in 2020. After a slight contraction in 2021 and 2022, it recovered to 3 204 thousand tons in 2023, showing overall growth across the period.

In value terms, the market expanded significantly from $2.4 billion in 2018 to $3.3 billion in 2021, driven by rising prices. However, value dropped sharply to $2.6 billion in 2022 before a modest rebound to $2.6 billion in 2023, indicating price volatility despite stable volumes.

In 2024, adverse weather conditions including drought in Minas Gerais and São Paulo and excessive rains in the South reduced bean productivity, tightening supply and pushing prices to historical highs. Changes in consumer behavior and demand retraction were also observed. Imports fell to 15 thousand tons while exports remained strong at 537 thousand tons.

Production dried shelled beans in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled beans, 2017-2020

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

MERCOSUR's dried shelled bean production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 3,743 thousand tons, marking a 5.3% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 6.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3,455 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 2.0% during this timeframe.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of dried shelled bean production in MERCOSUR has increased for two consecutive years. In 2020, output was valued at 3,485 million US dollars, up 11.8% from a year earlier. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, production value decreased by 8.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2,736 million US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 28.2%. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase of 13.9%.

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

Exports dried shelled beans from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, dried shelled bean exports from MERCOSUR declined in 2020. Export volume reached 552.4 thousand tons, reflecting a 2.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 50.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 14.6%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2019 at 563.5 thousand tons, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 31.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, MERCOSUR traded dried shelled beans with numerous countries. Even the top destinations—India, Vietnam, and Turkey—collectively accounted for only 27.0% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of dried shelled beans from MERCOSUR increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports stood at 514.3 million US dollars, showing a modest gain of 4.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 29.6%, with an annualized rate of 9.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 381.6 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 3.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 29.4%.

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

The export partner structure in value terms remained fragmented from 2017 to 2020. India (9.9% of exports), Turkey (7.9%), and Algeria (7.6%) together accounted for just 25.4% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Imports dried shelled beans to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2017, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, MERCOSUR's dried shelled bean import volume amounted to 70.9 thousand tons, representing a sharp drop of 27.0% from the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 53.7 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest decline of 47.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 80.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports of dried shelled beans to MERCOSUR were widely dispersed across partner countries. Bolivia (6.3% of imports), the United States (1.4%), and Canada (0.8%) together represented only 8.5% of total flows in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Noticeable fluctuations characterized market performance during this period. Imports hit a trough in 2018 and a peak in 2017, showing a two-fold swing. In 2020, MERCOSUR's dried shelled bean imports totaled 80.8 million US dollars, marking a notable loss of 20.6% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 54.5 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 50.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 86.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, imports in value terms of dried shelled beans to MERCOSUR were spread relatively evenly. Bolivia (5.5% of imports), the United States (2.5%), and Canada (1.1%) jointly accounted for only 9.1% of total flows.

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

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