Legume bran, sharps and residues market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The market for legume bran and residues in the SADC region fluctuated significantly between 2018 and 2023. A period of industry consolidation after earlier expansion contributed to a contraction in market volume, which fell to 7 350 t by 2020. This trend reversed sharply in 2021, when government-led initiatives to stimulate agriculture, including blended finance schemes and the leasing of state farms, supported sector growth and drove the market to a peak of 10 884 t.

Subsequent years saw the market remain at elevated levels compared to the pre-2021 period, bolstered by rising consumer demand for plant-based and functional food products, as well as the expansion of major companies into new retail channels. However, a severe drought in 2023, which sharply reduced maize harvests, constrained supply and contributed to a decline in both production and overall market volume, which settled at 9 152 t.

Entering 2024, persistent drought conditions continued to pressure grain production and influence prices, while the growing trend toward plant-based cuisine and a regulatory focus on sustainability shaped ongoing demand dynamics within the sector.

Production legume bran, sharps and residues in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of legume bran, sharps and residues, 2017-2020

World map of production of legume bran, sharps and residues, 2017-2020

Production of legume bran, sharps, and residues in SADC has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, SADC produced 8 026 tonnes, marking a moderate decrease of 4.7% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 14.8%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 5.2%.

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

Exports legume bran, sharps and residues from SADC

Exports in kind, t

SADC's exports of legume bran, sharps, and residues have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 1 019 tonnes, representing a dramatic year-over-year gain of 39.2%. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 427.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 74.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Kenya—collectively accounted for 78.8% of SADC's total exports of legume bran, sharps, and residues in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, showing a 3.8-fold increase over that period. In 2020, SADC's export value for legume bran, sharps, and residues was 178.3 thousand US dollars, a dramatic rise of 54.1% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 33.4%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018, at 270.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan were the dominant destinations for SADC's exports in value terms, together capturing 80.1% of total flows, with the remainder going to other markets.

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

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

Imports legume bran, sharps and residues to SADC

Imports in kind, t

The import market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports fell to their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, SADC imported 343 tonnes of legume bran, sharps, and residues, a decrease of 30.8% from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 083 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 54.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 136.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India was the primary source for SADC's imports in kind, accounting for 79.4% of total flows, with other markets forming a long tail of smaller partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market displayed volatility during these years. Imports dropped to their lowest point in 2017 and reached their peak in 2018, with a 2.3-fold swing. In 2020, SADC imported a total of value_last_year thousand US dollars of legume bran, sharps, and residues, equivalent to an 18.4% fall compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 293.5 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019, at 39.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 132.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Germany, and Belgium were the main destinations for SADC's imports in value terms. India accounted for 61.4% of imports, Germany for 14.4%, and Belgium for 5.9%, together making up 81.7% of total imports of legume bran, sharps, and residues to SADC.

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

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