Dried shelled legumes market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the dried shelled legumes market in MERCOSUR grew from 7 016 thousand tonnes to 7 855 thousand tonnes. This expansion was driven by rising global demand, particularly in emerging markets where legumes were valued as an accessible protein source, and by Argentina's emergence as a major exporter of various beans, which boosted regional trade. The trend toward healthy foods and alternative proteins further stimulated market innovation and consumption during this period.

Market value peaked at $7 784 million in 2021, even as physical volume slightly dipped to 7 686 thousand tonnes, reflecting increased consumer valuation of organic, agroecological, and plant‑based products. However, in 2022 the market contracted to 7 597 thousand tonnes and $5 871 million, pressured by geopolitical tensions, higher oil prices that raised logistics costs, and a short‑term drop in global legume trade. Overproduction in the region contributed to a further volume decline to 7 280 thousand tonnes in 2023, although value recovered modestly to $5 984 million amid sustained demand for healthy products and progress in the Mercosur‑European Union agreement that promises improved market access.

Production dried shelled legumes in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

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

Dried shelled legume production in MERCOSUR has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 8 422 thousand tons, marking a 6.5% year-over-year rise. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest production level was in 2018 at 7 566 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 3.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Dried shelled legume production in MERCOSUR has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 7 139 million US dollars, up 10.6% from the previous year. However, between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 7.6%, translating to an annualized decline of 2.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 5 918 million US dollars, which experienced the largest drop of 23.4%.

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

Exports dried shelled legumes from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, K t

Dried shelled legume exports from MERCOSUR have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 711.1 thousand tons, showing a modest increase of 3.4% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 16.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Turkey, and Italy were among the largest buyers of dried shelled legumes from MERCOSUR, accounting for 11.1%, 6.5%, and 6.4% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they represented just 23.9% of total exports, indicating a highly diversified partner base.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Dried shelled legume exports from MERCOSUR have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 602.8 million US dollars, a moderate rise of 7.4% from 2019. The lowest value was in 2018 at 521.4 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 13.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 7.6% growth.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, India, and Italy formed the largest group of buyers in value terms, contributing 8.6%, 8.4%, and 7.7% of exports, respectively. Their combined share was limited to 24.7% of total exports, reflecting a diversified country structure.

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

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

Imports dried shelled legumes to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, MERCOSUR imported 144.8 thousand tons of dried shelled legumes, a decrease of 7.7% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 5.4%, with an average annual decline of 1.8%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 117.0 thousand tons, which experienced the largest drop of 23.5%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 156.9 thousand tons, with the largest increase of 34.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada, Bolivia, and Mexico were the main sources of dried shelled legume imports to MERCOSUR, accounting for 18.4%, 4.0%, and 2.1% of imports in kind, respectively. Together, they absorbed 24.5% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, foreign supplies of dried shelled legumes to MERCOSUR stood at 130.7 million US dollars, down 5.9% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 16.1%, with an average annual decline of 5.7%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 102.7 million US dollars, which saw the largest drop of 34.1%. The largest increase was in 2019, with a 35.2% rise.

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

The country composition of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. Canada, Mexico, and Bolivia accounted for 18.8%, 4.3%, and 3.6% of imports, respectively, together forming just 26.7% of total flows. The remaining 73.3% was distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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