Dried shelled legumes market in Zimbabwe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume for dried shelled legumes in Zimbabwe grew steadily, reaching 219.9 thousand tonnes in 2021. This expansion was partly fueled by a rise in agricultural imports in 2020, including vegetable seeds and sorghum, which broadened domestic supply. A sharp increase in domestic production also contributed significantly to the market's peak that year.

In 2022, the market contracted to 171.8 thousand tonnes, coinciding with the introduction of Statutory Instrument 98 of 2022 that amended customs and excise suspension rules for flour of dried legumes, likely restricting market access. The market rebounded to 212.7 thousand tonnes in 2023, supported by global trends such as digitalization and growing consumer preference for healthier food options.

Production dried shelled legumes in Zimbabwe

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2017-2020

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

Zimbabwe's production of dried shelled legumes has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 127 342 tonnes, marking a 13.5% increase from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 56.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 16.1%.

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

Exports dried shelled legumes from Zimbabwe

Exports in kind, t

The export market for dried shelled legumes from Zimbabwe showed significant volatility during this period. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 190 tonnes, which was 63.8% lower than the previous year. However, in 2018, exports peaked at 525 tonnes, representing a sharp increase of 163.8%. By 2020, exports rebounded to 309 tonnes, up 62.7% from 2019. Overall, there was a 2.8-fold difference between the maximum in 2018 and the minimum in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the top buyers of dried shelled legumes from Zimbabwe were South Africa, Mozambique, and Botswana. South Africa accounted for 59.2% of exports in volume, Mozambique for 20.6%, and Botswana for 4.9%. Together, these three countries made up 84.7% of Zimbabwe's total exports in this category.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In terms of value, Zimbabwe's exports of dried shelled legumes saw notable fluctuations. In 2019, exports dropped to their lowest level at 389 thousand US dollars, a decline of 45.0%. The peak occurred in 2018 with 707 thousand US dollars. By 2020, exports rose to 568 thousand US dollars, a significant increase of 46.1% from 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 4.3%, with an average annual decline of 1.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for Zimbabwe's dried shelled legumes exports by value were South Africa, Mozambique, and Egypt. South Africa represented 37.8% of export value, Mozambique 20.3%, and Egypt 17.0%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 75.1% of total export value during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports dried shelled legumes to Zimbabwe

Imports in kind, t

Imports of dried shelled legumes into Zimbabwe experienced irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. In 2018, imports fell to their lowest point at 3 530 tonnes, a decrease of 67.7%. By 2020, imports surged to 44 984 tonnes, which was 318.2% higher than in 2019. This resulted in a 12.7-fold increase from the trough in 2018 to the peak in 2020.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the largest sources of dried shelled legumes imports to Zimbabwe by volume were Malawi, South Africa, and Mozambique. Malawi contributed 39.1% of imports, South Africa 37.5%, and Mozambique 9.4%. Together, these three countries represented 86.0% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market for dried shelled legumes in Zimbabwe displayed an unstable trend. In 2018, imports reached their minimum at 2 957 thousand US dollars, down 64.9%. By 2020, imports jumped to 28 161 thousand US dollars, a rise of 305.9% compared to 2019. This represents a 9.5-fold increase from the low in 2018 to the high in 2020.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources of dried shelled legumes imports to Zimbabwe by value were Malawi, South Africa, and Mozambique. Malawi accounted for 37.5% of import value, South Africa for 35.9%, and Mozambique for 11.9%. Collectively, these three countries made up 85.3% of total import value during this period.

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

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