Dried shelled lentils market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, low lentil yields in India, a major Asian producer, highlighted the need for improved production technologies, contributing to a decline in domestic output and a subsequent contraction of the regional market to 3.7 million tonnes in 2019. The market rebounded in 2020 as global health trends and rising demand for plant-based proteins, particularly lentil protein, spurred increased imports, lifting the market volume to 4.1 million tonnes despite lower production.

Market size stabilized around 4.1 million tonnes in 2021, with ongoing domestic efforts in India to boost pulse production. A significant shift occurred in 2023 when Indian government initiatives, including a substantial increase in the Minimum Support Price and promotion under the National Food Security Mission, incentivized farmers. This led to a record harvest, with a 6% expansion in cultivated area, driving regional production up and contributing to a sharp market expansion to 4.7 million tonnes.

Entering 2024, further government price support and market intervention by state-owned entities like Nafed influenced supply conditions. Concurrently, a forecasted 15% rise in global lentil production, led by Canada, increased import availability for the region. Consumer preference for healthy, protein-rich foods continued to underpin steady demand for lentils.

Production dried shelled lentils in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled lentils, 2017-2020

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

Asia's production of dried shelled lentils has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2,337 thousand tonnes, marking a gradual year-over-year decrease of 4.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 16.6%, with an average annual decline of 5.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 2,999 thousand tonnes, which saw a 7.1% increase. However, the largest drop occurred in 2019, with an 18.4% decline.

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

Exports dried shelled lentils from Asia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Asia's cross-border shipments of dried shelled lentils totaled 373 thousand tonnes, representing a significant 16.5% decrease compared to the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 359 thousand tonnes, while the peak was in 2019 at 446 thousand tonnes, which saw a substantial 24.1% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, dried shelled lentils from Asia were exported to a diverse range of markets. Even the top destinations—Sudan, Egypt, and Djibouti—collectively accounted for only 15.7% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, Asia's exports of dried shelled lentils in value terms rebounded in 2020. The export volume reached 581 million US dollars, reflecting a notable 39.9% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 3.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 415 million US dollars, following a 22.6% decline in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the value of dried shelled lentils exports from Asia was widely distributed across partner countries. The top three—Sudan (8.0% of exports in value), Egypt (5.4%), and Germany (3.1%)—together represented only 16.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports dried shelled lentils to Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Asia's imports of dried shelled lentils have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported approximately 2,125 thousand tonnes, up by 22.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 15.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 1,657 thousand tonnes, which saw a 10.2% decline.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada (45.6% of imports in volume), Australia (24.1%), and Russia (3.5%) remained the primary suppliers of dried shelled lentils to Asia, collectively accounting for 73.2% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of losses, Asia's imports of dried shelled lentils in value terms increased in 2020. Imports amounted to 1,307 million US dollars, corresponding to a sharp 46.8% advance compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 10.5%, with an average annual decline of 3.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 890 million US dollars, after a significant 33.7% drop in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Canada, Australia, and Russia—together accounted for 68.6% of the total value of dried shelled lentils imports to Asia.

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

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