Dried shelled lentils market in Western Asia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The dried shelled lentil market in Western Asia experienced significant expansion between 2018 and 2023, with total consumption volume climbing from 867 thousand tons to over 1.54 million tons. Growth was consistent until a notable contraction in 2021 reduced the market to 835 thousand tons, followed by a vigorous recovery in the subsequent two years.

Domestic production mirrored this volatility, rising to 495 thousand tons by 2020 before a sharp decline to 372 thousand tons in 2021. Output then rebounded to a record 557 thousand tons in 2023. Throughout this period, trade volumes increased substantially, with imports soaring from 794 thousand tons to 1.55 million tons and exports growing from 363 thousand tons to 561 thousand tons.

In 2024, trade flows shifted as imports fell to 1.27 million tons while exports rose to 601 thousand tons. This movement occurred alongside changing import dynamics and the continued influence of local and international companies active in this major lentil-producing region.

Production dried shelled lentils in Western 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

Western Asia's production of dried shelled lentils has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 495.2 thousand tons, marking a measured year-over-year rise of 6.5%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 14.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 436.4 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 24.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 6.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After a two-year decline, dried shelled lentils production in Western Asia has rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 490.5 million US dollars, representing a significant 22.3% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 39.1%, translating to an annualized rate of 15.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 400.9 million US dollars, while 2018 saw the largest decline of 46.7%.

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

Exports dried shelled lentils from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Western Asia's exports of dried shelled lentils have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 513 thousand tons, which is 32.9% higher than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 48.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 14.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, dried shelled lentils exports from Western Asia were distributed across numerous countries. Iran accounted for 10.7% of exports in kind, Sudan for 9.5%, and Egypt for 7.1%. Together, these three countries represented only 27.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decrease, foreign supplies of dried shelled lentils from Western Asia have increased. In 2020, exports reached 508.4 million US dollars, showing a sharp rise of 52.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 5.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 333.1 million US dollars, while 2018 experienced the largest decline of 25.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for exports in value terms was diverse. Iran contributed 13.3% of exports in value, Sudan 9.4%, and Egypt 6.4%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 29.1% of total flows, with the remaining 70.9% distributed among many other countries.

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

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

Imports dried shelled lentils to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Western Asia's imports of dried shelled lentils have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 1 055 thousand tons, corresponding to an 18.8% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 3.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 794 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 21.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, Kazakhstan, and Australia were the principal suppliers of dried shelled lentils to Western Asia. Canada accounted for 55.5% of imports in kind, Kazakhstan for 10.7%, and Australia for 5.6%. Together, these three countries represented 71.8% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of dried shelled lentils to Western Asia have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 663.5 million US dollars, which is 48.7% above the year-over-year level. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 15.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 439.2 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 44.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada, Kazakhstan, and Australia stood out as the main markets for imports in value terms. Canada accounted for 53.3% of imports in value, Kazakhstan for 7.5%, and Australia for 6.0%. Collectively, these three countries represented 66.8% of total import flows.

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

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