Peas market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled peas in SADC grew substantially from 10 145 t in 2018 to 20 998 t in 2023, though with notable fluctuations. A sharp rise in imports to over 4 000 t in 2019 contributed to market expansion, while a significant drop in exports the same year further increased domestic availability. After a dip in 2022, the market rebounded strongly in 2023, supported by robust domestic production exceeding 22 000 t and a concurrent dramatic fall in exports.

By 2024, several contextual factors were relevant to the peas market. Consumer trends in key markets like South Africa showed a shift toward frozen foods, partly due to power supply uncertainties, affecting demand for fresh produce. Investments in pea processing facilities aimed to ensure stable supply and product diversification. Furthermore, the Johannesburg Fresh Produce Market, a major distribution hub, continued to handle large volumes, influencing market access and sales channels across the region.

Production peas in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of peas, 2017-2020

World map of production of peas, 2017-2020

After a two-year decline, pea production in SADC increased. In 2020, SADC produced 20 150 tonnes of peas, marking a 33.5% rise from the previous year. However, between 2017 and 2020, overall production fell by 13.3%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 4.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 15 091 tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 21.4% decline.

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

Exports peas from SADC

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year reduction, pea exports from SADC rose. In 2020, exports reached 6 377 tonnes, representing a significant increase of 27.3% compared to the year before. Despite this recent uptick, exports declined by 75.8% over the period from 2017 to 2020, averaging an annual decrease of 37.7%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 5 009 tonnes, with the largest decline of 65.9% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kenya, India, and Pakistan consistently led the country structure of pea exports in kind. Kenya accounted for 31.7% of exports, India for 28.5%, and Pakistan for 6.0%. Together, these three countries made up 66.2% of total export flows.

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

After a two-year decrease, pea exports from SADC in value terms increased. In 2020, export value totaled 8 698 thousand US dollars, up 17.6% from the previous year. However, over the 2017–2020 period, exports fell by 43.9%, equating to an average annual decline of 17.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 7 399 thousand US dollars, while the largest drop of 42.1% happened in 2018.

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

During 2017–2020, pea exports from SADC in value terms were distributed across many markets. India, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom were key players, with India accounting for 21.4% of exports, the Netherlands for 13.8%, and the United Kingdom for 6.2%. Combined, these three countries represented 41.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports peas to SADC

Imports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Imports peaked in 2019 and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 4.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, pea imports into SADC totaled 1 822 tonnes, a 56.5% decrease from the previous year. The minimum import volume was 872 tonnes in 2018, while the maximum was 4 185 tonnes in 2019. The largest decline of 64.9% occurred in 2018, and the largest increase of 380.0% was recorded in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Ukraine, and Italy were the main sources for pea imports in kind. The United States contributed 35.8% of imports, Ukraine 13.7%, and Italy 9.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for 59.0% of total import flows.

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 market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports reached their highest value in 2019 and their lowest in 2018, with a 1.7-fold variation between these years. In 2020, foreign pea supplies to SADC were valued at 1 941 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp drop of 32.3% from the previous year. The minimum value was 1 640 thousand US dollars in 2018, while the maximum was 2 868 thousand US dollars in 2019. The largest increase of 74.9% was recorded in 2019.

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

The market base for pea imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was broad. Kenya, the United States, and Egypt were significant contributors, with Kenya accounting for 19.7% of imports, the United States for 18.1%, and Egypt for 8.0%. Together, these three countries made up 45.8% of total import flows, while the remaining 54.2% was shared among numerous other countries.

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

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