News Capsule: Tanzania Pulse Output Declines; High Freight Costs Slash Mung Bean Exports by 90%
22-Jul-2026 11:38 AM
News Capsule: Tanzania Pulse Output Declines; High Freight Costs Slash Mung Bean Exports by 90%
★ The 2026 pulse season in Tanzania has started slower than usual, with adverse weather conditions and weak farmgate prices leading to a decline in mung bean production. Output is estimated at around 20,000 tonnes, down from approximately 30,000 tonnes last year. Meanwhile, arrivals of the main pigeon pea and chickpea crops are expected to begin from mid-August.
★ Mung bean exports have been severely disrupted by shipping bottlenecks in the Gulf region. Container freight rates have surged from US$500–700 to around US$3,500–3,700 per container, resulting in an estimated 90% decline in mung bean exports. Congestion at Jebel Ali Port has forced exporters to use alternative shipping routes, significantly increasing logistics costs.
★ The introduction of auctions through the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX) has improved crop quality standards and transparency in trade. However, exporters continue to prefer produce marketed through cooperative societies due to better consistency and traceability.
★ Market experts also expect below-normal pigeon pea and mung bean production in Mozambique and Malawi this year. In addition, the anticipated El Niño conditions during 2026 could increase weather uncertainty across East Africa, potentially affecting the region’s 2027 pulse crop as well.
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Market Implications:
★ Lower production in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Malawi, combined with sharply higher freight costs, could increase the cost of pulse imports for major buyers such as India. If these supply and logistics challenges persist, they are likely to provide continued support to global and Indian pulse prices.