Beans are a staple in the Brazilian diet and play a central role in national food security. While most of the production is destined for domestic consumption, maintaining and expanding exports is key to generating income for producers and strengthening the country’s position in global markets.
In 2024, Brazil exported 343,600 tons of pulses, reaching a record worth of USD 336.1 million. Demand was driven primarily by Asian and Latin American markets, with India, Venezuela, and Mexico leading the list of importing countries. The performance marks a sharp upsurge compared to previous years and confirms the increasing role of Brazilian pulses in global food supply chains.
Export Highlights
Top destinations by volume in 2024:
India – 166,700 tons (mostly mung beans and cowpeas)
Venezuela – 39,700 tons (mainly black beans)
Mexico – 26,100 tons (mostly black beans)
South Africa – 21,200 tons
Pakistan – 18,100 tons
Most exported varieties:
Mung beans (Vigna radiata)
Cowpeas (also known as black-eyed peas or “fradinho”)
Common black beans
Other dry beans are exported to markets in Africa, Asia, and Central America.
The volume exported in 2024 more than doubled compared to 2023, making it the highest in the historical series.
Production Overview
Brazil’s total pulse production, focused primarily on beans, is estimated at 3.16 million tons for the 2024-25 season, a 33% increase compared to the previous cycle. This recovery follows weather-related losses in the 2023-24 crop and reflects favorable conditions in key producing regions.
Top producing states:
Paraná – 862,900 tons
Minas Gerais – 469,900 tons
Bahia – 325,800 tons
Goiás – 303,900 tons
Mato Grosso – 289,300 tons
These five states account for over 70% of the national output.
Varietal Breakdown
Brazilian bean production is classified into three main types:
Colored beans (“feijão cores”) – 54% of total output, consisting mostly of “carioca” beans, widely consumed in the Southeast and Central-West regions.
Black beans – 25% and concentrated in the South, especially in Paraná.
Cowpeas (“feijão fradinho”) – 21% and prevalent in the North and Northeast, where they are a staple in regional diets.
Sesame: A Pulse on the Rise
While beans account for most pulse exports, sesame (“gergelim” in Brazil) stands out as an increasingly relevant type. In 2024, Brazil exported 246,200 tons of sesame, worth USD 347.8 million. This represented about 62% of the country’s estimated sesame production for the 2024-25 season.
Main buyers: India and Turkey
Production outlook: 396,700 tons
Data source: National Supply Company (CONAB), Brazil