Dried shelled peas market in Malawi

Earlier Report Observations

Production of dried shelled peas in Malawi showed consistent growth from 31 990 metric tons in 2018 to 43 580 metric tons in 2022, before a slight dip to 43 124 metric tons in 2023. Over the six-year period, output expanded by nearly 35%, with the small decline in 2023 reflecting market stabilization rather than a downturn.

Domestic market size peaked at 32 379 metric tons in 2020, then contracted to 24 989 metric tons in 2022 as exports surged to 18 592 metric tons that year. By 2023, market volume had partially recovered to 25 910 metric tons, indicating that higher export volumes often reduced domestic availability despite rising production.

In 2024, exports fell sharply to 5 298 metric tons. Reports indicated a significant drop in pigeon pea production for the 2024/2025 season, which likely limited export supplies. During the year, local agribusiness officers urged farmers to improve crop management to meet growing international demand from India, while farmers remained optimistic about profits despite land scarcity and historical issues with middlemen.

Production dried shelled peas in Malawi

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Malawi consistently ranked 27th globally in the production of dried shelled peas.

Top producers of dried shelled peas, 2017-2020

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

Malawi's production of dried shelled peas grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 40 840 tonnes, marking a 4.9% increase from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 28.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.8%.

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

Exports dried shelled peas from Malawi

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Malawi's exports of dried shelled peas declined in volume. In 2020, the country exported 8 565 tonnes, down 18.4% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 10 496 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a rise of 18.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, Zimbabwe, and the United Arab Emirates were the main destinations for Malawi's dried shelled peas exports, accounting for 64.2% of the total volume. India represented 28.0%, Zimbabwe 21.1%, and the United Arab Emirates 15.1% of exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Exports in value terms peaked in 2019 and fell to their lowest point in 2018, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the value of dried shelled peas exports from Malawi totaled 13 413 thousand US dollars, a sharp decline of 43.7% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 11 076 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 23 810 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 115.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Zimbabwe formed the key group of partners for Malawi's dried shelled peas exports in value terms, collectively representing 76.3% of total flows. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 35.6%, India for 26.2%, and Zimbabwe for 14.6% of exports in value.

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

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

Imports dried shelled peas to Malawi

Imports in kind, t

The market showed volatility over the observed period. Imports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 9 374-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Malawi imported approximately 104 tonnes of dried shelled peas, a steep increase of 614.4% from the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 tonne, with the largest decline that year at 100.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 1 023.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mozambique was the key supplier of dried shelled peas to Malawi, accounting for 78.2% of total imports in kind, while a diverse group of other countries made up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility during this period. Imports in value terms were highest in 2017 and lowest in 2018, reflecting a 9 073-fold gap. In 2020, the value of dried shelled peas imports into Malawi reached 78 thousand US dollars, corresponding to an advance of 493.1% from the year before. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 100.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 1 529.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for imports in value terms was centered on Mozambique, which held a 72.2% share of total flows, while other markets contributed less significantly.

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

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