Dried shelled cow peas market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the SADC dried shelled cow peas market showed consistent growth, with market volume increasing from 333 thousand tons to 486 thousand tons. Production also rose steadily, reaching 498 thousand tons in 2020.

A sharp expansion occurred in 2021, with market volume peaking at 754 thousand tons and production at 779 thousand tons. This surge coincided with a significant rise in informal cross-border trade across the SADC region, where informal remittances were estimated at ZAR11 billion. The increased informal trading activity, facilitated by access limitations in South Africa and the use of non-bank channels and mobile money apps, likely contributed to market growth by easing logistics and enhancing product availability within the region.

Following the 2021 peak, the market volume contracted to 454 thousand tons in 2022 before recovering partially to 496 thousand tons in 2023. Ongoing regional integration efforts, such as the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the strengthening of quality infrastructure in SADC, continued to shape the policy and regulatory environment for agricultural markets.

Production dried shelled cow peas in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled cow peas, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled cow peas, 2017-2020

SADC's production of dried shelled cow peas increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 498.2 thousand tonnes, marking a sharp rise of 26.9% compared to the previous year. Production grew by 18.6% between 2017 and 2020, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 354.7 thousand tonnes, when output fell by 15.6%.

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

Exports dried shelled cow peas from SADC

Exports in kind, t

Exports of dried shelled cow peas from SADC declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 15 040 tonnes, down 11.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 7.3%, equating to an annualized decline of 2.5%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 22 584 tonnes, which saw a 39.2% increase. The largest drop occurred in 2019, with exports falling by 24.9%.

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

Analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 shows a wide distribution across many markets. India accounted for 22.0% of exports, the United Arab Emirates for 14.8%, and Vietnam for 12.5%. Together, these three countries represented 49.3% of total exports, while the remaining 50.7% went to other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of dried shelled cow peas exports from SADC declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 8 111 thousand US dollars, down 12.5% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 25.5%, which corresponds to an annualized decline of 9.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export value of dried shelled cow peas from SADC was distributed across a broad range of partners. India accounted for 18.7% of export value, the United Arab Emirates for 14.1%, and Turkey for 11.3%. Combined, these three countries represented 44.1% of total export value.

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

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

Imports dried shelled cow peas to SADC

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest volume was recorded in 2017, while imports peaked in 2019, representing a 23-fold increase between these years. In 2020, SADC imported 2 732 tonnes of dried shelled cow peas, down 4.8% from the previous year. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 2 868 tonnes, following a substantial increase of 464.5% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal and Special Categories were the largest sources of imports by volume for dried shelled cow peas into SADC, together accounting for 4.4% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market displayed volatility during the observed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 950 thousand US dollars, when imports fell by 29.1%. Imports then surged by 225.6% in 2019, reaching their peak in 2020 at 3 102 thousand US dollars, which was relatively stable compared to the previous year. The difference between the highest and lowest values was 3.3 times.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Portugal and Special Categories remained the primary suppliers of dried shelled cow peas to SADC in value terms, together constituting 6.2% of total import value.

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

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