Dried shelled legumes market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for dried shelled legumes in Southern Asia, dominated by India, contracted to 52 650 thousand tons in 2019. This decline was influenced by a sharp rise in prices for essential food items, including vegetables, due to inflationary pressures and seasonal volatility, which reduced consumer purchasing power and demand. The earlier implementation of the G.S.R. 674(E) tax notification in 2017, which clarified GST treatment for branded packaged legumes, continued to affect market structure and labeling practices in 2018.

From 2020 to 2022, the market rebounded strongly, expanding to 62 906 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by government policies focused on increasing agricultural production and ensuring food security, which bolstered pulse output. Simultaneously, shifting consumer preferences towards healthier, plant-based diets and rising demand for vegan products significantly boosted consumption. Technological advancements in food processing further supported the market by enabling new product forms like legume-based snacks and protein supplements.

In 2023, the market volume decreased to 60 419 thousand tons. This contraction was mainly due to global supply chain disruptions and volatility in international commodity prices, which affected local market conditions and costs. Despite this, India strengthened its role as a major vegetable exporter, supported by its diverse agro-climatic base and continued export-oriented policies. Factors noted for 2024 include updated food fortification regulations by FSSAI and the sustained expansion of the organic and sustainable food segment.

Production dried shelled legumes in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Southern Asia produced 53,745 thousand tonnes of dried shelled legumes, representing an 8.6% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 49,481 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 54,038 thousand tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 8.4%.

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

Exports dried shelled legumes from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The market experienced notable fluctuations during this period. The lowest point was in 2017, followed by a peak in 2018, creating a threefold difference between these years. In 2020, Southern Asia's export volume of dried shelled legumes reached 77 thousand tonnes, showing a substantial 77.0% increase from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 102 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 57.2%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, rising by 203.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in kind were distributed across a diverse range of partner countries. Iraq accounted for 8.5% of exports, Qatar for 3.5%, and the United Arab Emirates for 2.2%. Together, these three countries represented just 14.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout this timeframe. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, dried shelled legumes exports from Southern Asia totaled 102 million US dollars, marking a significant 172.0% increase over the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 37 million US dollars, while the maximum was in 2018 at 121 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 69.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of dried shelled legumes from Southern Asia were not heavily concentrated on a few key markets. Iraq accounted for 12.0% of exports, Qatar for 2.9%, and the United Arab Emirates for 1.7%. Collectively, these three countries represented only 16.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports dried shelled legumes to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Southern Asia's imports of dried shelled legumes increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 3,454 thousand tonnes, up 7.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 12.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.9%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 2,815 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 8.5%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, rising by 14.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, Australia, and Russia remained the key sources for imports in kind. Canada accounted for 28.4% of imports, Australia for 28.1%, and Russia for 11.6%. Together, these three countries represented 68.2% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decrease, dried shelled legumes deliveries to Southern Asia increased. In 2020, imports totaled 1,747 million US dollars, showing a robust 18.4% uptick compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 19.2%, with an average annual decline of 6.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1,476 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 24.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for imports in value terms of dried shelled legumes to Southern Asia were Australia, Canada, and Russia. Australia accounted for 30.4% of imports, Canada for 20.4%, and Russia for 8.0%. Together, these three countries represented 58.8% of total import flows.

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

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