Peas market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the U.S. market for fresh or chilled peas remained stable at around 260 thousand tons annually. This resilience was supported by growing consumer interest in plant-based proteins and health-conscious diets, which bolstered demand. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused some disruptions to agricultural labor and supply chains, but a slight increase in harvested area for green peas helped maintain production capacity.

Market volume dropped sharply to 225 thousand tons in 2021, likely reflecting lingering pandemic impacts on production and distribution. During this period, major companies like Conagra Brands reported strong sales growth for frozen pea products, indicating a shift toward convenient, nutritious options that may have influenced overall pea consumption patterns.

A recovery followed in 2022, with market volume reaching 281 thousand tons. This growth was driven by product innovation, including Roquette's launch of a new line of organic pea ingredients in North America, which tapped into rising demand for protein-rich foods. By 2023, volume eased to 263 thousand tons but stayed above pre-pandemic levels, supported by advancements in freezing and packaging technologies that improved product quality and shelf life.

Production peas in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States was one of the world's top producers of peas, ranking fourth globally by production volume.

Top producers of peas, 2017-2020

World map of production of peas, 2017-2020

Following a two-year decline, U.S. pea production rebounded in 2020. That year, the country produced 238.0 thousand tons of peas, representing a moderate increase of 4.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production decreased by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 228.5 thousand tons, while the largest annual decline occurred in 2018 at 5.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

U.S. pea production value declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Output was valued at 923.1 million US dollars, reflecting a gradual decrease of 3.4% from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 967.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 2.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports peas from the United States

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, U.S. pea exports increased in 2020. Exports reached 13 528 tons, up 10.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 10.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 12 245 tons, which also experienced the largest annual decline of 10.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada remained the dominant export destination for U.S. peas in volume terms, accounting for 73.6% of total exports. The remaining exports were fragmented across various other markets.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Following two years of decline, U.S. pea export value increased in 2020. Exports amounted to 52 468 thousand US dollars, marking a modest rise of 2.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 10.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 51 209 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 10.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Canada was the central partner for U.S. pea exports in value terms, capturing 87.6% of total export value. Other markets accounted for a less significant portion of exports.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports peas to the United States

Imports in kind, t

U.S. pea imports declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. The country imported approximately 37 185 tons of peas, reflecting a slight reduction of 1.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 6.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 42 945 tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 7.6%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 11.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala and Mexico together accounted for 91.8% of total U.S. pea imports in volume terms. The remaining imports were thinly spread across other markets.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, U.S. pea imports were valued at 88 699 thousand US dollars, reflecting a solid increase of 15.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 27.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 8.3%. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 3.9%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Guatemala and Mexico concentrated 86.3% of total U.S. pea import value. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations, each contributing smaller individual amounts.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020