Peas market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh or chilled peas in Southern Asia experienced steady growth, expanding from 5.6 million tonnes in 2018 to 7.0 million tonnes in 2023. This expansion was supported by robust domestic production, underpinned by large-scale cultivation in key regions like Maharashtra. Concurrently, broader consumer trends, including growing interest in convenient and year-round vegetable options, bolstered overall demand for peas, even as the market structure began to see increased activity in frozen segments.

Market growth accelerated notably between 2020 and 2021, with volumes rising over 5% annually, driven primarily by rising domestic output as imports remained minimal. The expansion continued through 2023, adding over 400,000 tonnes in that year alone, reflecting sustained production increases and consistent consumption.

In 2024, the market landscape was influenced by policy adjustments, as the Indian government extended the duty-free import deadline for peas until February 2025, facilitating increased shipments from major producers like Canada. This period also saw frozen peas gaining further popularity in urban areas due to their convenience and storage advantages, indicating an ongoing evolution in consumer preferences within the broader pea market.

Production peas in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of peas, 2017-2020

World map of production of peas, 2017-2020

Southern Asia's pea production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 6,083 thousand tonnes of peas, marking a 5.8% year-over-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 10.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports peas from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant fluctuations during this period. From 2018 to 2020, exports varied widely, with a peak-to-trough difference of 2.7 times. In 2020, Southern Asia exported 404 tonnes of peas, a sharp decline of 54.7% compared to the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 1,071 tonnes, with the largest year-over-year increase of 136.7% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman were the key export partners for peas in kind. The UAE accounted for 60.2% of exports, Qatar for 13.9%, and Oman for 3.9%. Together, these three countries made up 78.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, pea exports from Southern Asia declined in 2020. That year, exports totaled 539 thousand US dollars, down 30.2% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 12.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%. The peak value was in 2019 at 773 thousand US dollars, and the largest year-over-year increase of 57.3% occurred in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman contributed the most to pea exports in value terms. The UAE represented 58.4% of exports, Qatar 17.7%, and Oman 4.4%. Combined, these three partners accounted for 80.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports peas to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2019 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, with a 316-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Southern Asia imported approximately 146 tonnes of peas, a dramatic drop of 99.7% compared to the previous year. The maximum import volume was in 2019 at 46,129 tonnes, with the largest year-over-year increase of 75.1% also recorded that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan was the dominant supplier of peas to Southern Asia in kind, accounting for 87.5% of total imports. Other countries shared the remaining volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout this period. Import values varied significantly, with a 42-fold difference from the high in 2019 to the low in 2020. In 2020, cross-border shipments of peas to Southern Asia amounted to 325 thousand US dollars, down 97.6% from the prior year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 13,590 thousand US dollars, and the largest year-over-year increase of 48.3% also occurred in 2019.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Kazakhstan was the primary source for pea imports in value terms, accounting for 87.2% of total flows. Other markets formed a long tail of smaller partners.

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

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