Flour or powder of dried legumes market in South Africa, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for flour or powder of dried legumes in South Africa fluctuated between 2018 and 2021, declining to 2 420 t in 2019 before rising to 3 142 t by 2021.

A sharp contraction to 2 254 t occurred in 2022 as escalating fertiliser prices and global supply chain disruptions, intensified by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, raised agricultural input costs and constrained production. The market recovered to 2 523 t in 2023, aided by easing supply chain pressures and continued consumer demand for plant-based protein sources.

Import volumes grew to 807 t in 2025, alongside rising exports, reflecting sustained plant-based eating trends and product innovation in alternative flours.

Production flour or powder of dried legumes in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, South Africa ranked 27th globally in production volume of flour or powder of dried legumes.

Top producers of flour or powder of dried legumes, 2018-2021

World map of production of flour or powder of dried legumes, 2018-2021

South Africa's production of flour or powder of dried legumes rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2021, the country produced 3 087 tonnes, marking a sharp 40.0% increase from 2020. Production had hit its lowest point in 2020 at 2 205 tonnes, following the largest decline of 28.0% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports flour or powder of dried legumes from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed volatility during the observed period. The highest level was recorded in 2018, while the lowest occurred in 2020, creating a 5.3-fold difference between these years. In 2021, South Africa exported 194.6 tonnes, which represents a 57.4% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum export volume was 123.7 tonnes in 2020, after the largest decline of 75.4% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini emerged as the primary markets for South Africa's exports in kind. Botswana accounted for 50.8% of exports, Lesotho for 13.4%, and Eswatini for 13.0%. Together, these three countries represented 77.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values exhibited irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. The peak occurred in 2021, while the trough was in 2020, with a fourfold gap between these years. In 2021, South Africa's exports of flour or powder of dried legumes totaled 511.4 thousand US dollars, showing a steep 295.2% gain compared to 2020. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 129.4 thousand US dollars, following the largest decline of 67.2% that same year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, Lesotho, and Botswana were the main destinations in the geographical breakdown of South Africa's exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 27.4% of exports, Lesotho for 18.4%, and Botswana for 16.1%. Collectively, these three markets represented 61.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports flour or powder of dried legumes to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

South Africa imported approximately 250.3 tonnes of flour or powder of dried legumes in 2021, representing a dramatic 55.9% year-on-year decrease. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports declined by 40%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.6%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2020 at 568.2 tonnes, following the largest increase of 56.8% that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, India remained the key source for South Africa's imports in kind, accounting for 89.4% of total imports. Other destinations played a much less significant role in the import structure.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, South Africa's imports of flour or powder of dried legumes declined in value. In 2021, imports totaled 400.0 thousand US dollars, down 42.9% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, import values decreased by 15.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.6%. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 701.2 thousand US dollars, following the largest increase of 29.7% that year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, India dominated South Africa's import structure in value terms, accounting for 83.8% of total flows. Other sources contributed relatively small shares to the import market.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021