Dried shelled lentils market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for dried shelled lentils in Eastern Asia reached 181 thousand tons in 2018, a year marked by trade tensions between China and the US that introduced uncertainty into legume trade flows. Market volume then experienced a gradual decline over the next two years, falling to 178.6 thousand tons in 2019 and 176.6 thousand tons in 2020.

A recovery began in 2021 as the market expanded to 183.7 thousand tons, followed by a peak of 192.4 thousand tons in 2022. This growth coincided with a substantial rise in global soybean production, which increased overall legume supply and exerted downward pressure on prices, likely improving the affordability and consumption of lentils.

Market volume eased to 187.5 thousand tons in 2023. Entering 2024, government subsidies supporting soybean producers and a strengthening consumer preference for healthy, natural foods continued to influence the broader legume sector, including lentils.

Production dried shelled lentils in Eastern 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

Eastern Asia's production of dried shelled lentils has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 163.0 thousand tonnes, which is 1.0% less than in 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 5.2%, averaging an annual decrease of 1.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 172.2 thousand tonnes. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 4.4% decline, while the largest increase was seen in 2018, at 0.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Eastern Asia's production of dried shelled lentils has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 131.9 million US dollars, marking an 8.6% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value dropped by 35.2%, which translates to an average annual decline of 13.5%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 208.7 million US dollars. The sharpest fall occurred in 2019, with a 30.8% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 2.5%.

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

Exports dried shelled lentils from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, exports of dried shelled lentils from Eastern Asia have rebounded. In 2020, exports totaled 9 386 tonnes, showing a significant increase of 28.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 7.4%, averaging an annual decline of 2.5%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 7 300 tonnes. The largest drop occurred in 2018, with a 19.6% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Belgium, and Italy were the primary destinations for exports of dried shelled lentils from Eastern Asia. France accounted for 47.7% of exports in kind, Belgium for 27.0%, and Italy for 17.9%. Together, these three countries represented 92.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, the value of dried shelled lentils exports from Eastern Asia has increased. In 2020, export value reached 7 593 thousand US dollars, up by 18.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 36.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -14.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 400 thousand US dollars. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, with a 35.2% drop.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France, Belgium, and Italy were the key markets for exports in value terms. France made up 47.6% of export value, Belgium 25.6%, and Italy 18.7%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 91.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports dried shelled lentils to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, t

Imports of dried shelled lentils into Eastern Asia have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 22 992 tonnes, which is 7.8% higher than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 200.8%, averaging an annual growth rate of 44.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Turkey, and Canada were the main sources of imports in kind for Eastern Asia. The United States accounted for 57.3% of imports, Turkey for 17.7%, and Canada for 8.4%. Together, these three countries represented 83.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of dried shelled lentils into Eastern Asia have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value stood at 14 603 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 17.4% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 116.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 29.3%.

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

In 2017 to 2020, the United States, Turkey, and Myanmar were the leading suppliers of dried shelled lentils to Eastern Asia in value terms. The United States contributed 49.1% of import value, Turkey 17.7%, and Myanmar 9.7%. Combined, these three countries made up 76.4% of total imports.

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

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