Dried shelled chickpeas market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The market for dried shelled chickpeas in China began expanding from 2018, with volume rising from 19 220 t to 23 359 t by 2020. This initial growth was supported by the emerging trend toward plant-based diets and increased consumer demand for high-protein, high-fiber foods. The entry of new product varieties, such as Kabuli and Desi chickpeas, catered to diverse uses in home cooking and food manufacturing, broadening the market's appeal.

After a slight stabilization in 2021, market volume surged from 23 119 t to 34 949 t by 2023. This acceleration was primarily driven by a marked shift in consumer preferences toward healthy, gluten-free, organic, and vegan products, which boosted demand for chickpea-based flours and protein powders. The period saw new players entering the market and significant production facility expansions, while stricter regulations on food safety and product labeling helped standardize the market and enhance consumer trust.

In 2024, the market continued its rapid expansion, fueled by the launch of innovative healthy snack products, such as those by Mr. Kangaroo, and sustained consumer pursuit of sustainable lifestyles. Despite increased global trade uncertainty, imports of chickpeas into China rose sharply, reflecting robust underlying demand for plant-based protein alternatives and ongoing product diversification.

Production dried shelled chickpeas in China

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China maintained the 20th position globally in terms of dried shelled chickpea production volume.

Top producers of dried shelled chickpeas, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, China produced 15 642 tonnes of dried shelled chickpeas, showing only a slight variation from the previous year. The highest production was recorded in 2018 at 15 652 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 0.0% change, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 0.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Dried shelled chickpea production in China declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 16 086 thousand US dollars, marking a significant reduction of 15.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 17.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 6.2%. The peak value was in 2018 at 24 694 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019 at 23.2%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 26.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in China in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports dried shelled chickpeas from China

Exports in kind, t

Dried shelled chickpea exports from China declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 105 tonnes, a decrease of 27.1% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 96.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 68.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and India were the top buyers of dried shelled chickpeas from China, accounting for 31.1%, 18.3%, and 16.0% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented 65.4% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of dried shelled chickpeas from China declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 108 thousand US dollars, reflecting a decrease of 38.1% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 97.4%, with an annualized rate of 70.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, India, and Pakistan consistently led in the country structure of exports in value terms, with shares of 32.4%, 16.1%, and 15.3%, respectively. Combined, they accounted for 63.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports dried shelled chickpeas to China

Imports in kind, t

Dried shelled chickpea imports into China increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 7 823 tonnes, which is 8.9% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 3309.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 224.3%.

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

In the period 2017–2020, Turkey and India together accounted for 96.9% of total imports in kind, while other countries contributed to a more diversified but smaller share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 20-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the volume of dried shelled chickpea imports into China stood at 4 784 thousand US dollars, down by 13.3% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 5 517 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 1,143.9%.

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

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

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