Pulse Atlas data in focus/
Chinese imports of Kabuli chickpeas up 500% since 2018

Exclusive Pulse Atlas data shows China has begun importing significantly more chickpeas over the last five years, with imports five times higher in 2023 than in 2018. Though the size of the internal market remains modest, imports hit a record high 15,000 MT in 2023 and the 6-year upward trend is consistently positive.

The Pulse Atlas: Kabuli Chickpeas in China

• Import origins for Kabuli chickpeas have been split between Turkey (45%) and India (55%)

• Historical import patterns are varied, but the Pulse Atlas predicts imports will peak at around 4800 MT in the second quarter of 2024

• Production of Kabuli chickpeas in China is generally consistent – harvested acreage tends to be between 4000-6000 ha with production between 5000-7000 MT. Yield range falls between 1.17 MT/Ha and 1.2 MT/Ha
  
  

Insider insights

Shuke Mao, Owner and Director Manager of Nanjing Bonagro International Trading Co.

• "In the past few years, total consumption of chickpeas and the Chinese market has increased every year. The main uses of chickpeas are: as an ingredient in traditional dishes of the Xinjiang Uyghur region; as raw material for Chinese canned chickpeas for export; to replace traditional Chinese large white kidney beans (42-44 (count per oz) size Kabulis have become the standard cooked vegetable four/five-star hotel breakfasts alongside Chinese dark red kidney beans); for sale in the traditional Chinese wholesale market; for use in the snack food market”

• “The main reason for the growth of China’s chickpea market in 2023 is the market segmentation of meal replacements and the snack foods that have become popular with various consumers – young women, people on diets, the elderly/children with certain illnesses.”

• “If prices for new Indian 42-44 full-size chickpeas are acceptable and reasonable, Chinese demand is expected to increase accordingly, but the market demand for 8 mm size and smaller is expected to remain stable.”