Dried shelled lentils market in Yemen

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, production of dried shelled lentils in Yemen remained stable at around 7 115 metric tons. This stability occurred despite a shortage of fertilizers linked to the war in Ukraine, as public efforts to promote local production, including strategies to attract trader capital and investment projects, helped support output. Market volume grew from 8 422 tons in 2018 to 9 661 tons in 2019, primarily driven by rising imports. In 2020, a sharp depreciation of the Yemeni rial increased import costs, which stimulated domestic production, leading to a 33% surge to 9 474 tons. Total market volume jumped to 15 573 tons as imports more than doubled, likely to meet persistent demand.

Production continued to grow, reaching 11 598 tons in 2021. This increase was partly supported by a shift among Yemeni farmers toward organic fertilizers and the formation of agricultural cooperative associations, which improved resource access and the value chain for crops. In 2022, attempts to revive idle state-owned food processing plants aimed at absorbing local agricultural output, including lentils, helping maintain production at 11 902 tons. Imports soared to 12 032 tons that year, though significant exports of 5 950 tons resulted in a market volume of 17 984 tons. By 2023, further currency depreciation and rising fuel prices raised production and distribution costs, yet production still increased to 12 349 tons. Market volume skyrocketed to 25 794 tons as imports hit 13 445 tons with no exports, reflecting strong domestic consumption.

For 2024, import volumes declined to 11 676 tons. Factors such as additional currency volatility, new central bank directives regulating electronic payments, and changes in consumer purchasing behavior due to economic recession may have influenced trade flows. Over the full period from 2018 to 2023, Yemen's lentil production grew by 74%, while the total market volume more than tripled, showcasing robust demand amidst internal conflict and external supply pressures.

Production dried shelled lentils in Yemen

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Yemen ranked 20th globally in the production of dried shelled lentils.

Top producers of dried shelled lentils, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Yemen produced 9 474 tonnes of dried shelled lentils, marking a 33.2% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 30.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 7 115 tonnes, which represented a 2.2% decline from the prior year.

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

Exports dried shelled lentils from Yemen

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Yemen exported 12 tonnes of dried shelled lentils, showing little change from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 5 035.3%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 271.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Yemen's exports of dried shelled lentils were primarily directed towards Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which together accounted for 94.6% of total shipments, while other destinations played a minor role.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Yemen's exports of dried shelled lentils amounted to 15 thousand US dollars, with only a slight variation from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value skyrocketed by 106 500.4%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 921.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, the value-based export structure for dried shelled lentils from Yemen was dominated by Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, which together captured 99.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports dried shelled lentils to Yemen

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of dried shelled lentils into Yemen showed significant fluctuations from 2017 to 2020. The lowest point was in 2018 at 1 307 tonnes, representing a 79.1% drop from the previous year. In 2020, imports reached 6 111 tonnes, a 140.1% increase compared to 2019. The peak occurred in 2017, with volumes 4.8 times higher than the 2018 low.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the main sources for Yemen's imports of dried shelled lentils in volume terms were Turkey (37.7% of imports), Australia (20.0%), and the United Arab Emirates (15.6%), collectively accounting for 73.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Yemen's import value for dried shelled lentils experienced volatility from 2017 to 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 878 thousand US dollars, following an 80.1% decline in 2018. In 2020, imports surged to 3 794 thousand US dollars, a sharp 332.2% rise from the previous year. The peak in 2017 was 5.2 times higher than the 2019 low.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary suppliers of dried shelled lentils to Yemen in value terms were Turkey (39.7% of imports), the United Arab Emirates (17.5%), and Australia (16.4%), together making up 73.6% of total import value.

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

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