Peas market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled peas in Eastern Africa saw a strong upward trajectory in volume from 74.7 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 183.3 thousand tonnes in 2023. Growth accelerated notably after 2020, with the market expanding by over 45% in 2021 and approaching 200 thousand tonnes by 2022. In value terms, this represented a rise from $187.4 million to $402.0 million, reflecting both increased volume and changing market valuations.

This period of expansion was followed by a moderation in 2023, as the market volume eased to 183.3 thousand tonnes from the prior year's peak of 198.6 thousand tonnes. Despite this contraction, the overall market size in 2023 remained more than double its 2018 level, indicating a sustained structural increase in demand and local production capacity over the five-year span.

Production peas in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of peas, 2017-2020

World map of production of peas, 2017-2020

Eastern Africa's pea production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 94 051 tonnes of peas, showing a moderate 4.5% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 121%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 30.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports peas from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced significant volatility during these years. From 2017 to 2019, export volumes fluctuated dramatically, with a peak-to-trough difference of 5.2 times. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 4 765 tonnes, but rebounded in 2020 to 6 315 tonnes—a 32.5% increase over the previous year. The sharpest decline occurred in 2018, when exports dropped by 72.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, pea exports from Eastern Africa were distributed relatively evenly across various markets. India accounted for 20.1% of exports in volume, the Netherlands for 6.6%, and the United Kingdom for 4.3%. Together, these three countries represented just 31.0% of total export flows, indicating a diverse range of trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, the value of pea exports from Eastern Africa saw an uptick in 2020. Exports reached 14 217 thousand US dollars, marking a modest 5.8% increase compared to the previous year. However, over the full period from 2017 to 2020, export values fell by 45.1%, averaging an annual decline of 18.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 13 437 thousand US dollars, with the most significant drop occurring in 2018 at 33.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Eastern Africa's pea exports in value terms were spread across a broad portfolio of buyers. The Netherlands led with 21.5% of export value, followed by India at 12.3%, and the United Kingdom at 9.5%. Combined, these three countries contributed only 43.3% of total export value, while numerous other nations held smaller but notable shares.

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

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

Imports peas to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed considerable volatility over the observed period. The market swung sharply, with a peak-to-trough difference of 3 times between 2018 and 2019. In 2018, imports bottomed out at 1 355 tonnes, then surged to a peak of 4 033 tonnes in 2019—a massive 197.7% increase. By 2020, imports fell to 2 896 tonnes, representing a sharp 28.2% decline from the previous year. The steepest drop occurred in 2018, with a 55.7% decrease.

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

During 2017–2020, pea imports to Eastern Africa in volume terms relied on a diverse set of suppliers. The United States was the largest source, accounting for 19.3% of imports, followed by the United Arab Emirates at 10.5%, and Ukraine at 7.2%. Together, these three countries made up just 37.1% of total import flows, highlighting the region's varied sourcing strategy.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Market performance exhibited noticeable fluctuations during this period. Import values varied significantly, with a 1.9-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2018. In 2018, imports hit their lowest point at 1 100 thousand US dollars, then jumped to 2 130 thousand US dollars in 2019—a 93.7% increase. By 2020, imports declined to 1 820 thousand US dollars, down 14.5% from the previous year. The largest decrease was in 2018, at 40.9%.

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

The import market in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was characterized by a wide base of suppliers. The United States accounted for 22.7% of import value, the United Arab Emirates for 17.0%, and Italy for 6.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented just 46.6% of total flows, with the remaining 53.4% distributed among many other nations.

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

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