South Africa: Pigeon Peas Market 2025

Pigeon Peas Market Size in South Africa

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in the South African pigeon peas market, when its value decreased by -98.7% to $X. Overall, consumption saw a dramatic contraction. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X, and then fell significantly in the following year.

Pigeon Peas Production in South Africa

In value terms, pigeon peas production fell modestly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the production volume increased by 36% against the previous year. Pigeon peas production peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of pigeon peas in South Africa stood at less than X kg per ha in 2021, flattening at the previous year's figure. Overall, the yield showed a relatively flat trend pattern. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2021, approx. less than X ha of pigeon peas were harvested in South Africa; approximately reflecting the previous year. In general, the harvested area saw a relatively flat trend pattern.

Pigeon Peas Exports

Exports from South Africa

Pigeon peas exports from South Africa skyrocketed to X tons in 2021, picking up by 555% on 2020. In general, exports continue to indicate a significant increase. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, pigeon peas exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports saw a significant increase. As a result, the exports attained the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

India (X tons) was the main destination for pigeon peas exports from South Africa, accounting for a 74% share of total exports. Moreover, pigeon peas exports to India exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Lesotho (X tons), fivefold. The UK (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 4.6% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to India was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Lesotho (+54.5% per year) and the UK (0.0% per year).

In value terms, India ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for pigeon peas exports from South Africa, comprising 65% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Lesotho ($X), with a 22% share of total exports. It was followed by the UK, with a 5.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to India was relatively modest. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Lesotho (+41.2% per year) and the UK (0.0% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average pigeon peas export price amounted to $X per ton, dropping by -12.3% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw a abrupt curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 an increase of 94%. As a result, the export price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2016 to 2021, the average export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Lesotho ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to India ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Lesotho (-8.6%).

Pigeon Peas Imports

Imports into South Africa

In 2021, imports of pigeon peas into South Africa declined remarkably to X tons, waning by -57.8% compared with 2020. Overall, imports, however, recorded significant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when imports increased by 401% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2020, and then contracted notably in the following year.

In value terms, pigeon peas imports contracted markedly to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, recorded a significant expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 524%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at $X in 2020, and then shrank sharply in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Malawi (X tons) was the main pigeon peas supplier to South Africa, with a 97% share of total imports. It was followed by Lesotho (X tons), with a 1.6% share of total imports.

From 2013 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Malawi stood at +64.7%.

In value terms, Malawi ($X) constituted the largest supplier of pigeon peas to South Africa, comprising 96% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Lesotho ($X), with a 1.5% share of total imports.

From 2013 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Malawi stood at +69.9%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average pigeon peas import price amounted to $X per ton, shrinking by -9.2% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price recorded a noticeable slump. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the average import price increased by 28%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Malawi ($X per ton), while the price for Lesotho totaled $X per ton.

From 2013 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Tanzania (+14.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :