Myanmar was the largest exporter with 34% of the world total, and China was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Dried edible seeds of legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, dry peas and beans. They are traded for direct cooking and for food processing.
Typical segments
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Dry peas
- Dry beans
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 27% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of dried, shelled leguminous vegetables (HS 071390), the trade category that includes pulses, were worth $466.6 million in 2024. | 466.6 USD million | 2024 | |
| World exports were 27% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($366.3 million), calculated from the annual totals. | +27 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| Myanmar was the largest exporter in 2024, with 34% of world exports ($157.3 million). | 34 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, Myanmar, India and the United Arab Emirates, shipped 71% of world exports in 2024. | 71 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| China was the largest importer in 2024, buying $145.7 million, or 31% of world imports. | 31 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 30 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 30 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $1.03 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 1.03 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 451.5 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 451.5 thousand tonnes | 2024 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Food processors
- Retail and wholesale distributors
- Export traders
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global pulses market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 071390 reached $466.6 million in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most pulses?
Myanmar led world exports in 2024 with 34% of the total, followed by India, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
Which countries import the most pulses?
China was the largest importer in 2024, followed by Pakistan, the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Is world trade in pulses growing?
World exports were 27% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of pulses?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $1.03 per kilogram in 2024.
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