HS Code:
Cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata), also known as black-eyed peas, are a type of legume widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for their edible seeds. They are a staple food in many African, Asian, and Latin American countries, valued for their high protein content and adaptability to arid conditions. Cowpeas are traded globally under HS Code 071335, which covers dried, shelled cowpeas, whether or not skinned or split. The global trade of cowpeas is influenced by agricultural production capacities, regional demand for food security, and climatic conditions affecting harvests.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately 1.2 million metric tons
Data from 2022
Source
International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map and UN Comtrade Database
450,000 metric tons
37.5% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
300,000 metric tons
25.0% of global trade of total trade
Stable
150,000 metric tons
12.5% of global trade of total trade
Increasing
100,000 metric tons
8.3% of global trade of total trade
Decreasing
80,000 metric tons
6.7% of global trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
25% (imposed by certain South Asian countries to protect local legume markets)
Lowest Rate
0% (under preferential trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area - AfCFTA)
Rising demand in urban African markets
Increased export opportunities for West African countries due to urbanization and population growth driving demand for affordable protein sources
2021-2022
Climate change impacting yields
Erratic weather patterns in key producing regions like the Sahel have led to supply volatility, affecting global prices
2020-2022
Growing interest in plant-based diets
Increased imports by Western countries for use in vegan and vegetarian food products, though still a small share of total trade
2022
The Nigerian government launched incentives for cowpea exporters to boost foreign exchange earnings, including subsidies for storage and transport.
March 2023
Expected to increase Nigeria's export volume by 10-15% in 2023, strengthening its position as the top global exporter.
The African Continental Free Trade Area agreement has reduced tariffs on cowpeas among member states, facilitating trade within the continent.
January 2023
Intra-African trade of cowpeas has risen by 8% in early 2023, reducing dependency on external markets.
Severe drought in Niger and Burkina Faso during the 2022 planting season led to a significant drop in cowpea production.
October 2022
Global supply tightened, causing a 12% price increase in international markets in late 2022.