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In its September crop report, CONAB (Brazil’s National Supply Company) reports that the harvest of Brazil’s second dry bean crop concluded and estimates production at 1.3 million MT, a 6.3% increase over last year’s second crop. The breakdown by class is as follows: 652,000 MT for carioca beans (+37%); 228,700 MT of black beans (+27%) and 412,100 MT of brown-eyed peas (-26%). The following average yields were reported: 1,474 kg/ha. for carioca beans; 1,491 kg/ha. for black beans; and 506 kg/ha. for brown-eyed peas.

Planting of the third crop concluded in mid-July and harvest is presently underway. Production is projected at 743,800 MT, a 21% increase over last year’s third crop. The breakdown by class is 672,300 MT of carioca beans (+21%), 11,700 MT of black beans (+1%) and 60,000 MT of brown-eyed peas (+29%). Yields are forecast at 1,349 kg/ha. for carioca beans, 684 kg/ha. for black beans and 677 kg/ha. for brown-eyed peas. Harvest should conclude by late October.

The production of the second and third crops is expected to offset weather-related crop losses form the first crop, which produced 986,000 MT of beans with the following breakdown by class: 563,400 MT of carioca beans; 256,900 MT of black beans; and 165,600 MT of brown-eyed peas.

Thus, Brazil’s total estimated dry bean production for 2018/19 is 3,022,800 MT, a 3% decrease from last cycle’s 3,116,100 MT. The decrease is due to a 19% reduction in brown-eyed pea production. Both carioca and black bean production are expected to be up 3 and 2% respectively.

Supply and Demand

CONAB forecasts Brazil’s total dry bean supply for 2018/19 at 3.4 million MT. Dry bean consumption is estimated at 3,050,000 MT. Imports are estimated at 120,000 MT. Black beans comprise most of Brazil’s dry bean imports. Argentina is its primary supplier.