Dried shelled legumes market in Jamaica

Earlier Report Observations

The Jamaican market for dried shelled legumes experienced significant fluctuations in volume between 2018 and 2023. Starting at 14,198 tons, the market contracted to 13,649 tons in 2019 and remained near that level in 2020. A recovery to 14,069 tons followed in 2021, but a sharp decline to 12,971 tons occurred in 2022 before a partial rebound to 13,621 tons in 2023.

These shifts were primarily due to changes in import volumes, which fell from 9,494 tons in 2018 to a low of 8,222 tons in 2022 before rising again. Domestic production also varied, peaking at 4,904 tons in 2021 but dropping to 4,134 tons by 2023, contributing to the overall market volatility.

Over the full period, the market showed no consistent growth trend, instead oscillating within a band of roughly 13,000 to 14,200 tons, reflecting a period of adjustment in supply sources.

Production dried shelled legumes in Jamaica

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

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

Jamaica's production of dried shelled legumes has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 4 150 tonnes, which is 6.5% less than in 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 13.6%, with an average annual decline of 4.7%.

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

Exports dried shelled legumes from Jamaica

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed significant volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 0.1 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 2 tonnes, representing a 23-fold increase. In 2020, Jamaica exported 2 tonnes of dried shelled legumes, marking a dramatic year-on-year surge of 2,225.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when exports dropped by 93.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saint Lucia, Canada, and the United Kingdom remained the top destinations for Jamaica's exports of dried shelled legumes by volume. Saint Lucia accounted for 32.5% of exports, Canada for 25.1%, and the United Kingdom for 24.0%. Together, these three countries represented 81.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. The value of exports hit a low in 2019 at 0.2 thousand US dollars and peaked in 2020 at 3 thousand US dollars, a 13.7-fold difference. In 2020, the value of dried shelled legumes leaving Jamaica was 3 thousand US dollars, reflecting a substantial 1,268.3% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, when the value fell by 90.5%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Saint Lucia formed the core of Jamaica's exports of dried shelled legumes by value. The United Kingdom led with 40.3% of exports, followed by Canada at 28.6%, and Saint Lucia at 17.1%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 85.9% of total export value.

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

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

Imports dried shelled legumes to Jamaica

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Jamaica's imports of dried shelled legumes amounted to 9 432 tonnes, showing a slight increase of 2.4% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 4.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 9 494 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 3.0%, while the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 4.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—the United States, Belize, and Canada—together accounted for 91.0% of Jamaica's total imports of dried shelled legumes by volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Jamaica's imports of dried shelled legumes in value terms reached 10 425 thousand US dollars, up by 12.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 10.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 9 277 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when import value fell by 7.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Belize, and Canada were the main sources for Jamaica's imports of dried shelled legumes by value. The United States contributed 46.0% of imports, Belize 27.8%, and Canada 18.7%. Together, these three countries made up 92.5% of total import flows.

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

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