Peas market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The North American peas market volume increased from 283 thousand tons in 2018 to 293 thousand tons in 2020, supported by the continued expansion of cultivation area and favorable production conditions. Growing consumer interest in plant-based proteins reinforced demand during this period. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused labor shortages and farming disruptions, but it also boosted demand for convenient and nutritious options like frozen peas, contributing to market growth.

Market volume fell to 258 thousand tons in 2021, as pandemic-related supply chain disruptions affected production. Recovery followed in 2022, with volume reaching 312 thousand tons, driven by the launch of new organic pea ingredients by Roquette and the expansion of processing facilities such as Hanover Foods in Wisconsin, which increased product availability amid high consumer demand for plant-based protein.

In 2023, the market volume saw a slight decrease to 295 thousand tons. Global supply chain disruptions and inflation influenced operational costs and pricing, even as consumer preference for convenient and healthy pea-based products remained strong.

Production peas in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of peas, 2017-2020

World map of production of peas, 2017-2020

Northern America's pea production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 288.2 K t of peas, marking a 4.0% rise compared to 2019. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 275.6 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports peas from Northern America

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Northern America exported 3.2 K t of peas in 2020, a 37.0% increase from 2019. Exports hit their minimum in 2018 at 1.3 K t, with the largest decline of 47.7% occurring that year. The most significant growth was in 2019, at 84.1%, resulting in a 2.5-fold difference between the peak and trough from 2018 to 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China, the United Arab Emirates, and Thailand were the key partners for exports in kind, accounting for 29.9%, 14.5%, and 6.2% of exports, respectively. Together, they represented 50.6% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Pea exports from Northern America increased in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 839 K $ US, up 13.6% from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 406 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 23.4%. The most substantial increase occurred in 2019, at 15.2%.

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

The export structure in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. China, the United Arab Emirates, and Thailand accounted for 27.2%, 11.8%, and 8.4% of exports, respectively, totaling 47.3% of flows. No single country held a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports peas to Northern America

Imports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market. Northern America imported 8.2 K t of peas in 2020, a slight gain of 2.5% year-over-year. Imports were at their lowest in 2019 at 8.0 K t, with the largest decline of 91.7% in 2018. The highest imports were in 2017, creating a 13.2-fold gap with the 2019 low.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, China, and Guatemala were the main sources for imports in kind, with shares of 29.9%, 20.0%, and 16.7%, respectively. Together, they formed 66.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imported pea volumes in Northern America declined in value for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 52 245 K $ US, a 6.0% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 9.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.3%. The maximum value was in 2018 at 58 548 K $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 1.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, Guatemala, and China were the largest suppliers of peas to Northern America in value terms, accounting for 32.0%, 13.0%, and 13.0% of imports, respectively. Together, they represented 57.9% of total import value.

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

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