Dried shelled legumes market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The market for dried shelled legumes in China saw its volume fluctuate between 11,506 K t and 13,062 K t from 2018 to 2023, with a notable peak in the final year. In value terms, the market expanded significantly from $13,434 M in 2018 to $17,305 M in 2023, experiencing a sharp rise in 2021 and 2022 followed by a correction. The physical market volume dipped in 2019, recovered in 2020, stabilized through 2021-2022, and then grew by over 7% in 2023.

By 2024, the domestic production landscape was characterized by stable soybean cultivation exceeding 1.5 billion mu, with key provinces contributing over 84.5% of the national output. Technological innovation drove product diversification, including ready-to-eat legume snacks and bean flour, catering to rising plant-based protein demand. Global factors such as the La Niña climate phenomenon threatened soybean yields in South America, impacting import costs and supply stability for China, the world's largest soybean consumer. Major players like Beidahuang and Yanzhifang competed on product quality and innovation, while digital tools like AI and big data were adopted across production and sales channels.

Production dried shelled legumes in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China ranked as the world's third-largest producer of dried shelled legumes.

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

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

China's production of dried shelled legumes declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 9 581 thousand tonnes, down 0.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 4.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 10 027 thousand tonnes. The largest year-on-year decrease occurred in 2019, when production dropped by 3.8%, while the biggest increase was seen in 2018 with a modest 0.2% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of dried shelled legumes produced in China reached 13 218 million US dollars, marking a 4.6% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 636 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 13 222 million US dollars. The most significant decline in value took place in 2019, with a 4.4% drop.

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

Exports dried shelled legumes from China

Exports in kind, K t

China's exports of dried shelled legumes by volume fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 336 thousand tonnes, representing a 12.5% decrease from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, exports declined by 26.8%, which translates to an annualized reduction rate of 9.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China's exports of dried shelled legumes by volume were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. Japan accounted for 16.3% of these exports, India for 12.1%, and Vietnam for 11.5%. Together, these three markets represented just 40.0% of total export volumes, indicating a highly diversified trade pattern.

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, M $ US

China's exports of dried shelled legumes by value also declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 464 million US dollars, down 7.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 23.5%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 8.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, no single market dominated China's dried shelled legumes exports by value. Japan was the largest destination with 20.0% of export value, followed by Vietnam at 17.2% and India at 9.9%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 47.1% of total export value, with the remainder spread across numerous smaller partners, each holding relatively modest shares.

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 legumes to China

Imports in kind, K t

China's imports of dried shelled legumes by volume rose significantly in 2020, reaching 1 071 thousand tonnes—a 42.7% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports surged by 133.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 32.7%. The largest year-on-year decrease occurred in 2019 with a slight 0.3% dip, while the biggest increase was recorded in 2018 at 64.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada dominated China's imports of dried shelled legumes by volume, accounting for 87.4% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller trading partners.

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, M $ US

China's imports of dried shelled legumes by value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 071 million US dollars, up 33.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 111.3%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 28.3%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Canada was the primary source for China's dried shelled legumes imports by value, representing 73.8% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of diverse partners.

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

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