Pulses Market

The global pulses market is projected to see a positive trend in consumption and value terms, with India leading both categories. Canada and Australia are major exporters. The average export price is on the rise, indicating a favorable market outlook.

Market Forecast

Driven by increasing demand for pulses worldwide, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next eight years. Market performance is forecast to accelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +2.9% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market volume to 112M tons by the end of 2030.

In value terms, the market is forecast to increase with an anticipated CAGR of +2.7% for the period from 2022 to 2030, which is projected to bring the market value to $118.5B (in nominal prices) by the end of 2030.

Consumption

World Consumption of Pulses

In 2022, consumption of pulses decreased by -1.2% to 89M tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year rising trend. The total consumption volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations throughout the analyzed period. As a result, consumption attained the peak volume of 93M tons. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of the global consumption remained at a lower figure.

The global pulses market value expanded to $95.5B in 2022, growing by 4.3% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, consumption, however, saw a relatively flat trend pattern. Global consumption peaked in 2022 and is likely to continue growth in years to come.

Consumption By Country

India (26M tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of pulses consumption, comprising approx. 29% of total volume. Moreover, pulses consumption in India exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest consumer, China (7.2M tons), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was held by Nigeria (3.7M tons), with a 4.2% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in India totaled +2.5%. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of consumption growth: China (+5.4% per year) and Nigeria (-3.3% per year).

In value terms, India ($25.2B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by China ($6.4B). It was followed by Nigeria.

In India, the pulses market expanded at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining consuming countries recorded the following average annual rates of market growth: China (+6.3% per year) and Nigeria (-6.6% per year).

The countries with the highest levels of pulses per capita consumption in 2022 were Niger (105 kg per person), Canada (58 kg per person) and Myanmar (30 kg per person).

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Bangladesh (with a CAGR of +7.3%), while consumption for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Consumption By Type

Beans (dry) (39M tons) constituted the product with the largest volume of consumption, accounting for 41% of total volume. Moreover, beans (dry) exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, chick peas (18M tons), twofold. Peas (dry) (14M tons) ranked third in terms of total consumption with a 15% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of the volume of beans (dry) consumption totaled +1.7%. For the other products, the average annual rates were as follows: chick peas (+4.5% per year) and peas (dry) (+2.8% per year).

In value terms, beans (dry) ($57.7B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by chick peas ($14.9B). It was followed by pulses, nes.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of the value of beans (dry) market was relatively modest. With regard to the other consumed products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: chick peas (+1.7% per year) and pulses, nes (+2.0% per year).

Production

World Production of Pulses

In 2022, approx. 91M tons of pulses were produced worldwide; approximately reflecting 2021. The total output volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 11% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak volume of 93M tons. From 2018 to 2022, global production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure. The general positive trend in terms output was largely conditioned by a moderate expansion of the harvested area and a relatively flat trend pattern in yield figures.

In value terms, pulses production expanded to $70B in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, production recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 38% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $97.9B. From 2017 to 2022, global production growth remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Production By Country

India (24M tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of pulses production, comprising approx. 27% of total volume. Moreover, pulses production in India exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Canada (6.6M tons), fourfold. The third position in this ranking was held by China (4.8M tons), with a 5.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume in India stood at +3.8%. The remaining producing countries recorded the following average annual rates of production growth: Canada (+2.2% per year) and China (+1.1% per year).

Production By Type

Beans (dry) (39M tons) constituted the product with the largest volume of production, comprising approx. 41% of total volume. Moreover, beans (dry) exceeded the figures recorded for the second-largest type, chick peas (19M tons), twofold. Peas (dry) (14M tons) ranked third in terms of total production with a 15% share.

For beans (dry), production expanded at an average annual rate of +1.5% over the period from 2012-2022. For the other products, the average annual rates were as follows: chick peas (+4.3% per year) and peas (dry) (+2.9% per year).

In value terms, beans (dry) ($33B) led the market, alone. The second position in the ranking was held by chick peas ($13.1B). It was followed by pulses, nes.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the value of beans (dry) production amounted to -24.2%. For the other products, the average annual rates were as follows: chick peas (-0.5% per year) and pulses, nes (+2.5% per year).

Yield

In 2022, the global average yield of pulses stood at 980 kg per ha, surging by 1.7% on 2021 figures. In general, the yield saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 5.3%. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of 1 tons per ha. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of the average pulses yield remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Harvested Area

The global pulses harvested area declined slightly to 92M ha in 2022, waning by -2.1% on 2021 figures. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations being observed in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the harvested area increased by 8.8%. The global harvested area peaked at 95M ha in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports

World Imports of Pulses

In 2022, overseas purchases of pulses decreased by -0.4% to 19M tons, falling for the second consecutive year after two years of growth. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 18%. As a result, imports reached the peak of 20M tons. From 2018 to 2022, the growth of global imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, pulses imports rose sharply to $14.6B in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when imports increased by 18%. Global imports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Imports By Country

In 2022, China (2.6M tons) and India (2.4M tons) represented the key importers of pulsesacross the globe, together resulting at near 27% of total imports. It was followed by Bangladesh (1.4M tons), Turkey (1.2M tons) and Pakistan (1.1M tons), together mixing up a 20% share of total imports. The United Arab Emirates (827K tons), the United States (721K tons), Egypt (498K tons), Italy (422K tons), Ethiopia (354K tons) and Norway (309K tons) took a minor share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Ethiopia (with a CAGR of +33.3%), while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest pulses importing markets worldwide were India ($2B), China ($1.7B) and Turkey ($856M), together accounting for 31% of global imports. Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Bangladesh, Egypt, Italy, Ethiopia and Norway lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 27%.

Ethiopia, with a CAGR of +31.6%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, in terms of the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports By Type

Peas (dry) (5.4M tons), beans (dry) (4.4M tons) and lentils (3.8M tons) represented roughly 76% of total imports in 2022. Chick peas (1.8M tons) held a 10% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by pulses, nes (7.2%) and broad beans and horse beans (dry) (6.3%).

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the key imported products, was attained by broad beans and horse beans (dry) (with a CAGR of +8.0%), while imports for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, beans (dry) ($4.6B), lentils ($3.5B) and peas (dry) ($2.9B) were the products with the highest levels of imports in 2022, together accounting for 77% of global imports.

In terms of the main imported products, lentils, with a CAGR of +8.9%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Type

The average pulses import price stood at $780 per ton in 2022, surging by 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average import price increased by 17% against the previous year. Global import price peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was beans (dry) ($1,064 per ton), while the price for peas (dry) ($537 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by lentil (+2.3%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices By Country

In 2022, the average pulses import price amounted to $780 per ton, growing by 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($902 per ton), while Bangladesh ($435 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by India (+3.1%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports

World Exports of Pulses

In 2022, the amount of pulses exported worldwide stood at 20M tons, surging by 3.2% on 2021. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.0% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when exports increased by 13% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of 21M tons. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of the global exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, pulses exports expanded notably to $14.7B in 2022. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 22%. The global exports peaked in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the immediate term.

Exports By Country

In 2022, Canada (4.6M tons), distantly followed by Australia (2.5M tons), Myanmar (1.9M tons), Russia (1.7M tons) and Turkey (1.2M tons) represented the major exporters of pulses, together generating 60% of total exports. The following exporters - the United States (850K tons), India (659K tons), Argentina (638K tons), the United Arab Emirates (632K tons), Mozambique (509K tons), the UK (415K tons), Tanzania (394K tons) and France (311K tons) - together made up 22% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Mozambique (with a CAGR of +32.9%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Canada ($3.3B) remains the largest pulses supplier worldwide, comprising 23% of global exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Australia ($1.5B), with an 11% share of global exports. It was followed by Myanmar, with a 10% share.

In Canada, pulses exports increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Australia (+3.2% per year) and Myanmar (-0.1% per year).

Exports By Type

The exports of the three major types of pulses, namely peas (dry), beans (dry) and lentils, represented more than two-thirds of total export. Chick peas (2M tons) held the next position in the ranking, followed by broad beans and horse beans (dry) (1.4M tons) and pulses, nes (1.3M tons). All these products together took near 25% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exported products, was attained by pulses, nes (with a CAGR of +11.2%), while the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest types of exported pulses were beans (dry) ($4.5B), lentils ($3.5B) and peas (dry) ($2.8B), with a combined 77% share of global exports.

Lentils, with a CAGR of +9.7%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main exported products over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices By Type

In 2022, the average pulses export price amounted to $732 per ton, surging by 9.4% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 17% against the previous year. The global export price peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the near future.

Prices varied noticeably by the product type; the product with the highest price was beans (dry) ($970 per ton), while the average price for exports of broad beans and horse beans (dry) ($468 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by lentil (+2.7%), while the other products experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Export Prices By Country

In 2022, the average pulses export price amounted to $732 per ton, surging by 9.4% against the previous year. In general, the export price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the average export price increased by 17%. The global export price peaked in 2022 and is likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($984 per ton), while Mozambique ($440 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+3.1%), while the other global leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform