Leguminous vegetables market in MERCOSUR

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh or chilled leguminous vegetables in MERCOSUR expanded from 82 804 t in 2018 to 85 143 t in 2023, reflecting a consistent upward trend. This growth was primarily fueled by a shift in consumer preferences towards healthier and fresher food options, particularly in Brazil, where the demand for fruits, vegetables, and legumes intensified from 2018 onward.

Technological improvements in refrigerated packaging and cold chain logistics further supported market expansion. The development of packaging solutions that extend shelf life and preserve freshness, coupled with the professionalization of the supply chain, enabled better distribution and quality maintenance, especially notable from 2022. By 2024, the refrigerated plant-based food segment accounted for a significant share of revenue, as consumers increasingly perceived these products as higher quality.

Economic integration within MERCOSUR, with its free movement of goods, facilitated trade flows. Exports of plant-based products to the bloc grew substantially, with a 22% volume increase reported in the first nine months of 2022, although imports remained minimal. The ongoing discussions around the EU-MERCOSUR agreement also influenced market dynamics, highlighting concerns about price volatility and access.

Production leguminous vegetables in MERCOSUR

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of leguminous vegetables, 2017-2020

World map of production of leguminous vegetables, 2017-2020

MERCOSUR's production of leguminous vegetables increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 83,654 tonnes, maintaining a broadly stable level compared to the previous year.

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

Exports leguminous vegetables from MERCOSUR

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Leguminous vegetables exports from MERCOSUR reached their lowest point in 2018 at 39.1 tonnes, then surged to a peak of 142.0 tonnes in 2020, representing a 3.6-fold increase between these years. The 2020 figure marked a 19.7% gain compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 60.1% drop, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2019 at 203.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, MERCOSUR's leguminous vegetables exports in kind showed relatively low concentration. The top three destinations—Marshall Islands (12.4%), the Netherlands (11.1%), and Panama (10.9%)—collectively accounted for just 34.4% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior remained volatile throughout these years. Export values dropped to their lowest point in 2018 at $58,400, then climbed to a peak of $236,600 in 2020, representing a 4.1-fold increase. The 2020 value was 6.5% higher than in 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 35.4% decrease, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2019 at 280.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, MERCOSUR's leguminous vegetables exports in value terms were not heavily concentrated. The three leading markets—Marshall Islands (13.8%), Panama (11.8%), and Hong Kong (10.9%)—together represented only 36.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports leguminous vegetables to MERCOSUR

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 1.8 tonnes, then peaked in 2018 at 6.0 tonnes, showing a 3.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, MERCOSUR imported 2.9 tonnes of leguminous vegetables, representing a 61.6% increase compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 70.3% decrease.

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

Throughout the 2017–2020 period, China was the primary partner for MERCOSUR's leguminous vegetables imports in kind, accounting for 1.8% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized market behavior during these years. Import values bottomed in 2019 at $2,700, then peaked in 2018 at $8,600, differing by 3.2 times. In 2020, MERCOSUR imported $4,500 worth of leguminous vegetables, reflecting a substantial 67.6% increase year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 69.0% decrease.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China served as the core market for MERCOSUR's leguminous vegetables imports in value terms, representing 6.7% of total import value.

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

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