Dried shelled lentils market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the dried shelled lentils market in MENA increased from 839 thousand tons in 2018 to 1 025 thousand tons in 2023, despite a temporary contraction in 2021. This overall growth was primarily driven by rising consumer interest in healthy diets and plant-based proteins, a trend that intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic as demand for nutritious and sustainable foods increased.

Supply-side events significantly influenced market dynamics. In March 2022, Turkey's export ban on red lentils directly affected supplies to the region, prompting buyers to seek alternative sources. Concurrently, increased production and exports from major global suppliers like Australia and Canada enhanced available volumes, supporting market expansion despite geopolitical disruptions such as the war in Ukraine, which contributed to price volatility.

The market value reflected these changes, rising from 636 million US dollars in 2018 to 1 006 million US dollars in 2023, with a sharp increase in 2022 due to higher global prices amid supply chain constraints. While volume continued to grow, consumer preferences shifted towards conventional lentils due to their wider availability, and innovations in sustainable fertilizers improved production efficiency.

Production dried shelled lentils in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled lentils, 2017-2020

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

In 2019, MENA's production of dried shelled lentils saw its largest increase at 13.2%, but this was followed by a significant decline of 18.5% in 2018. By 2020, production had fallen to 222.6 thousand tons, marking a 13.0% decrease from the previous year. Overall, between 2017 and 2020, production dropped by 19.7%, which translates to an annualized decline of 7.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

MENA's production of dried shelled lentils has declined for three consecutive years. In 2020, the output was valued at 188.8 million US dollars, reflecting a 3.7% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production fell by 31.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -11.8%.

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

Exports dried shelled lentils from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

MENA's exports of dried shelled lentils have increased for two consecutive years. In 2020, exports reached 244.5 thousand tons, showing a robust 23.6% rise from the previous year. The lowest point was in 2018 at 131.5 thousand tons, which saw a 25.0% decline, but this was followed by a significant 50.5% increase in 2019. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 39.4%, with an annualized rate of 11.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, MENA's exports of dried shelled lentils were not concentrated in a few key markets. Somalia accounted for 6.5% of exports in kind, India for 6.3%, and Turkey for 4.7%, with these three countries together making up only 17.4% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

MENA's exports of dried shelled lentils in value terms have increased for two consecutive years. In 2020, exports amounted to 207.5 million US dollars, marking a steep 36.9% advance from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 137.0 million US dollars, which saw a 21.2% decline. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 19.3%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%.

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

The partner structure of MENA's exports in value terms remained fragmented from 2017 to 2020. Somalia accounted for 6.2% of exports in value terms, India for 4.8%, and Turkey for 3.0%, with these three countries together representing only 14.0% of total flows, and no single country held a dominant share.

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

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

Imports dried shelled lentils to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

MENA's imports of dried shelled lentils have increased for two consecutive years. In 2020, imports were recorded at 946.7 thousand tons, which is 18.7% higher year-over-year. The lowest point was in 2018 at 744.2 thousand tons, which saw a 15.1% decline. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 8%, with an annualized rate of 2.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada was the main source for MENA's imports of dried shelled lentils in kind, accounting for 47.3% of imports, followed by Turkey at 18.4% and Australia at 5.8%. Together, these three countries made up 71.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, MENA's imports of dried shelled lentils in value terms increased in 2020, reaching 658.4 million US dollars, corresponding to a 42.6% gain from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 461.6 million US dollars, following a 35.4% decline in 2018. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 20.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Canada, Turkey, and Australia—together accounted for 68.9% of total imports in value terms of dried shelled lentils to MENA.

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

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