Dried shelled beans market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for dried shelled beans in South Africa showed considerable variation between 2018 and 2023, starting at 84 068 tonnes before dropping to 61 196 tonnes in 2019. A partial recovery to 84 209 tonnes occurred in 2021, but volumes then fell to 55 048 tonnes by 2023. In the initial years, the market relied on imports while farmers in key provinces like Limpopo and Free State were encouraged to enter production.

Regulatory developments shaped the market environment, including the Plant Improvement Act assented in 2019, which set the stage for future quality standards, and updated regulations for grading, packing, and marking dry beans in 2023. Efforts to expand domestic production were highlighted by the Schoeman Group's capacity expansion in 2022, working with over 200 contract farmers and establishing a new cleaning facility. The entry of new players, such as emerging farmers beginning to supply major processors like Tiger Brands in 2024, signaled increased market participation.

Towards the end of the period, the Crop Estimates Committee forecasted a 40% year-on-year increase in the dry bean harvest for the 2024-25 season. The Agricultural Products Standard Act Amendment came into force in August 2025, and sustained consumer demand for affordable protein amid economic pressures continued to influence the market.

Production dried shelled beans in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of dried shelled beans, 2018-2021

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

South Africa's production of dried shelled beans has declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 62 231 tonnes, which represents a 10.2% decrease compared to 2020. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production fell by 15.9%, with an average annual decline of 5.6%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In contrast to the physical volume, the value of dried shelled beans production in South Africa has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 73 210 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 10.6% rise from the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, production value actually decreased by 5.7%, with an average annual decline of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 64 661 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 16.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports dried shelled beans from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, South Africa's exports of dried shelled beans declined in 2021. The country exported 22 606 tonnes that year, reflecting a sharp 37.9% year-on-year drop. Despite this recent decrease, exports increased by 20.6% overall between 2018 and 2021, equating to an average annual growth rate of 6.4%. The peak was reached in 2020 with 36 418 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 48.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Eswatini, Vietnam, and India consistently remained the main destinations for South Africa's dried shelled bean exports by volume. Eswatini accounted for 23.9% of exports, Vietnam for 18.8%, and India for 13.5%. Together, these three countries represented 56.1% of total export flows.

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

After two years of growth, the value of South Africa's dried shelled bean exports declined in 2021. Exports stood at 26 594 thousand US dollars that year, showing a 23.5% drop compared to 2020. However, over the 2018-2021 period, export value increased by 35.2%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 10.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 34 774 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 36.7%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Eswatini, Vietnam, and India formed the core group of markets for South Africa's dried shelled bean exports by value. Eswatini accounted for 24.1% of export value, Vietnam for 16.7%, and India for 12.7%. Together, these three countries represented 53.5% of total export flows.

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 dried shelled beans to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa's imports of dried shelled beans have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, import volume reached 44 584 tonnes, representing a substantial 46.0% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 54.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.7%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 18 175 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 36.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2020 at 68.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Botswana, Ethiopia, and Brazil continued to be the main suppliers of dried shelled beans to South Africa by volume. Botswana accounted for 32.3% of imports, Ethiopia for 11.9%, and Brazil for 10.6%. Together, these three countries formed 54.8% 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

The value of South Africa's dried shelled bean imports showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 13 788 thousand US dollars and hit their maximum in 2021 at 38 802 thousand US dollars, representing a 2.8-fold variation between these years. In 2021, import value stood at 38 802 thousand US dollars, constituting a steep 47.7% year-on-year rise. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 39.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 at 90.5%.

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

Over the 2018-2021 period, imports of dried shelled beans to South Africa by value were widely dispersed across partner countries. Botswana accounted for 27.5% of import value, Brazil for 12.6%, and Ethiopia for 9.6%. Together, these three countries represented only 49.7% of total import flows.

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

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