Dried shelled broad and horse beans market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for dried shelled broad and horse beans in MERCOSUR fluctuated between 43 910 tons in 2018 and 43 498 tons in 2023, with a notable peak of 49 383 tons in 2020. A sharp 13.8% contraction followed in 2021, driven primarily by intense La Niña weather conditions that caused crop failures in Southern, Southeastern, and Central‑West Brazil. Partial recovery in 2022 raised the market to 45 177 tons, but drought and excessive heat from El Niño in Minas Gerais and São Paulo reduced germination and yields, contributing to a further decline in 2023.

Alongside extreme weather, a 19% reduction in bean planting area compared to five years earlier further limited supply in 2023. Institutional measures such as state crop monitoring by the Paraná Department of Agriculture and the launch of new price indicators by CNA and Cepea enhanced market transparency and regulation, helping participants navigate volatile conditions.

Regional trade dynamics included the presence of Peruvian production in the market and a low of 1.35 thousand tons in Brazilian bean shipments to Venezuela in 2020. The approved Mercosur‑European Union trade agreement created export opportunities for Brazilian beans, emphasizing sustainability, while a 6.8% rise in Brazil’s national bean production in the 2023/24 season reinforced its role as a major global supplier influencing MERCOSUR.

Production dried shelled broad and horse beans in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of dried shelled broad and horse beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled broad and horse beans, 2017-2020

MERCOSUR's production of dried shelled broad and horse beans has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 49 328 tonnes, marking a 12.2% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 15.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.9%.

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

Exports dried shelled broad and horse beans from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, kg

MERCOSUR's exports of dried shelled broad and horse beans have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 145 kilograms, up 42.2% from 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, exports surged by 1 015.4%, averaging an annual growth rate of 123.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from MERCOSUR in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Greece, Portugal, and Cyprus were the top buyers of dried shelled broad and horse beans from MERCOSUR. Greece accounted for 26.9% of exports in kind, Portugal for 23.5%, and Cyprus for 15.8%. Together, these three countries made up 66.2% of total exports in kind.

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, $ US

MERCOSUR's exports of dried shelled broad and horse beans in value terms have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 572 US dollars, a 10.2% increase compared to 2019. Between 2018 and 2020, exports grew by 1 806.7%, with an average annual rate of 167.2%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Portugal, Cyprus, and Greece were the key markets for MERCOSUR's exports in value terms. Portugal held 31.0% of exports, Cyprus 23.6%, and Greece 12.4%. Combined, these three countries represented 67.1% of total export flows.

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 broad and horse beans to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, kg

MERCOSUR's imports of dried shelled broad and horse beans in volume terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 54 517 kilograms, a sharp rise of 45.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 56.3%, averaging 16.1% per year. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 30 719 kilograms, which also saw the largest decline of 11.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to MERCOSUR in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Bolivia and Italy dominated MERCOSUR's imports in kind, together accounting for 83.7% of total flows. The remaining imports were spread across other destinations.

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, $ US

After two years of growth, MERCOSUR's imports of dried shelled broad and horse beans in value terms declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 37 315 US dollars, down 25.5% from 2019. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 50 103 US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 33.1%.

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

In the 2017–2020 period, Italy, Bolivia, and France were the main sources for MERCOSUR's imports in value terms. Italy contributed 53.8% of imports, Bolivia 10.9%, and France 9.1%. Together, these three countries made up 73.7% of total import flows.

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

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