Dried shelled legumes market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the CIS market for dried shelled legumes expanded significantly, with volume rising from 7 857 thousand tons to 9 725 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by substantial increases in soybean production in Russia, where harvests reached around 6 million tons by 2022. The trend was further supported by a broader policy of import substitution and growing investments in legume processing. Additionally, the signing of a protocol with China in 2022 opened new export channels, which initially contributed to market expansion.

In 2023, however, the market volume contracted to 8 114 thousand tons despite stable production. This was due to a sharp rise in exports, which nearly doubled to 3 754 thousand tons, likely as the earlier agreement with China took full effect. While Russian soybean cultivation continued to expand with a 3.5% increase in planted area, the diversion of supply to foreign markets reduced domestic availability. High export volumes persisted into 2024, indicating a continued focus on external trade.

Production dried shelled legumes in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

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

After two years of decline, CIS production of dried shelled legumes increased in 2020. The region produced 8 797 thousand tonnes that year, marking a 2.1% rise from 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 25.1%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 9.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 8 617 thousand tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 17.6% decline.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

CIS production of dried shelled legumes in value terms grew for the second year in a row in 2020. Output was valued at 3 885 million US dollars, up 10.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 17.2%, averaging a 6.1% annual decline. The lowest value was in 2018 at 3 136 million US dollars, which also saw the largest drop of 33.2%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 12.5%.

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

Exports dried shelled legumes from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

CIS exports of dried shelled legumes in volume terms declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Shipments totaled 1 406 thousand tonnes, down 16.9% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 10.5%, with an average annual decrease of 3.6%. The peak export volume was in 2018 at 1 870 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 18.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Turkey, Pakistan, and India were the top destinations for CIS exports of dried shelled legumes in volume terms. Turkey accounted for 26.4% of exports, Pakistan for 13.9%, and India for 10.6%. Together, these three countries represented 50.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

CIS exports of dried shelled legumes in value terms amounted to 621.1 million US dollars in 2020, a decrease of 10.4% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 605.9 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 693.4 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 14.4% rise.

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

The partner structure for CIS exports of dried shelled legumes in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented. Turkey led with 24.4% of exports, followed by Pakistan at 16.9% and Afghanistan at 8.5%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 49.8% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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

Imports dried shelled legumes to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

CIS imports of dried shelled legumes in volume terms totaled 71 thousand tonnes in 2020, down 1.8% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 10.9%, averaging a 3.5% annual growth rate. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 49 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 22.7%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 72 thousand tonnes, with the biggest increase of 46.2% that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, CIS imports of dried shelled legumes in volume terms were spread across many partner countries. Ethiopia accounted for 5.8% of imports, Argentina for 5.6%, and Turkey for 2.4%. Together, these three countries represented just 13.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

CIS imports of dried shelled legumes in value terms increased for the second consecutive year in 2020. Imports were valued at 90.1 million US dollars, up 36.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value grew by 23.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 63.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 12.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, CIS imports of dried shelled legumes in value terms involved many trading partners. Even the largest destinations—Ethiopia, Argentina, and China—together accounted for only 19.4% of total import value.

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

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