Dried shelled legumes market in Sudan

Earlier Report Observations

The dried shelled legumes market in Sudan expanded from about 1.0 million tons in 2018 to nearly 1.2 million tons in 2022, though with significant yearly swings. Early growth was supported by major national agricultural projects like the Rahad scheme, which increased field crop output, and rising investment in the fodder sector that boosted demand for legumes as animal feed. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further disrupted supply chains and likely heightened household demand for non-perishable foods, helping lift the market to 1.16 million tons.

A sharp drop to 1.02 million tons occurred in 2021, driven largely by agricultural policy changes aimed at strengthening food security and reducing import dependence. These measures severely curtailed imports, while the introduction of modern farming equipment supported a rise in domestic production. The market rebounded strongly in 2022, reaching 1.19 million tons, aided by continued improvements in irrigation infrastructure under key national projects and revised marketing and distribution policies that improved local product access.

Following the 2022 peak, market volume eased to 1.10 million tons in 2023, reflecting a correction amid shifting domestic supply dynamics and export movements.

Production dried shelled legumes in Sudan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Sudan ranked as the 29th largest producer of dried shelled legumes worldwide.

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

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

Sudan's production of dried shelled legumes grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 022.4 thousand tonnes, marking a slight increase of 1.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 8.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%.

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

Exports dried shelled legumes from Sudan

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Sudan exported 42.0 thousand tonnes of dried shelled legumes, a decrease of 22.4% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 12.9%, with an average annual decline of 4.5%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 39.3 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 54.1 thousand tonnes. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 37.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates—collectively accounted for 85.0% of Sudan's total dried shelled legume exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Sudan's dried shelled legume exports in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 27.0 million US dollars, down 14.3% from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 18%, with an average annual drop of 6.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 48.4 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 34.9%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, rising by 47.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates were the main markets for Sudan's dried shelled legume exports by value. India accounted for 65.2% of export value, Pakistan for 14.6%, and the UAE for 5.8%, together making up 85.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports dried shelled legumes to Sudan

Imports in kind, K t

Sudan's imports of dried shelled legumes increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 182.6 thousand tonnes, up 46.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 50.7%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 14.6%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 89.3 thousand tonnes, and the largest decline occurred that same year, dropping by 26.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Canada, and the United Kingdom were the leading sources of dried shelled legume imports to Sudan by volume. Turkey contributed 31.7% of imports, Canada 18.4%, and the UK 13.7%, together representing 63.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 67.8 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2020 at 124.9 million US dollars, reflecting a 1.8-fold difference. In 2020, imports surged to 124.9 million US dollars, an increase of 84.2% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 43.3%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Turkey, Canada, and the United Kingdom formed the core of Sudan's dried shelled legume imports by value. Turkey accounted for 34.5% of import value, Canada for 20.3%, and the UK for 12.1%, together making up 66.9% of total import flows.

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

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