Eastern Asia: Lentil Market 2025

Lentil Market Size in Eastern Asia

In 2022, the East Asian lentil market increased by 3.6% to $X, rising for the second year in a row after two years of decline. The total consumption indicated moderate growth from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +8.2% against 2020 indices. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Lentil Production in Eastern Asia

In value terms, lentil production fell slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, saw a modest increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the production volume increased by 53%. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

China (X tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of lentil production, comprising approx. 100% of total volume.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume in China totaled +1.3%.

In 2022, the average lentil yield in Eastern Asia shrank modestly to X tons per ha, approximately reflecting 2021. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.6% over the period from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the yield increased by 14%. The level of yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2021, and then dropped modestly in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of lentils production in Eastern Asia stood at X ha, flattening at 2021 figures. In general, the harvested area, however, continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 9%. The level of harvested area peaked at X ha in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Lentil Exports

Exports in Eastern Asia

In 2022, the amount of lentils exported in Eastern Asia rose sharply to X tons, increasing by 6.4% compared with 2021. In general, exports, however, recorded a abrupt decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 28%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2015; however, from 2016 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lentil exports surged to $X in 2022. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a abrupt contraction. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

In 2022, China (X tons) represented the major exporter of lentils in Eastern Asia, creating 100% of total export.

China was also the fastest-growing in terms of the lentils exports, with a CAGR of -9.7% from 2012 to 2022. China (+3.3 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, China ($X) also remains the largest lentil supplier in Eastern Asia.

In China, lentil exports contracted by an average annual rate of -5.1% over the period from 2012-2022.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2022, with an increase of 21% against the previous year. Export price indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +5.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, lentil export price increased by +60.6% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when the export price increased by 40% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices attained the peak figure in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in years to come.

As there is only one major export destination, the average price level is determined by prices for China.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for China amounted to +5.0% per year.

Lentil Imports

Imports in Eastern Asia

In 2022, lentil imports in Eastern Asia skyrocketed to X tons, increasing by 40% on 2021 figures. In general, imports saw significant growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 with an increase of 819%. The volume of import peaked in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in years to come.

In value terms, lentil imports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports enjoyed significant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 660% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Imports by Country

China prevails in imports structure, reaching X tons, which was near 88% of total imports in 2022. It was distantly followed by South Korea (X tons), comprising a 6.5% share of total imports. Japan (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

China was also the fastest-growing in terms of the lentils imports, with a CAGR of +48.5% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, South Korea (+19.3%) and Japan (+10.0%) displayed positive paces of growth. While the share of China (+61 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of South Korea (-10.9 p.p.) and Japan (-17.4 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, China ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported lentils in Eastern Asia, comprising 84% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Korea ($X), with a 7.3% share of total imports.

In China, lentil imports increased at an average annual rate of +52.2% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: South Korea (+23.8% per year) and Japan (+9.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Eastern Asia stood at $X per ton in 2022, jumping by 21% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw a mild shrinkage. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Japan ($X per ton), while China ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Korea (+3.7%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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