Burma Jan-March 2016 Pulses Exports Decline 41% Y/Y - USDA

MUMBAI (Commoditiescontrol) - Despite a relatively strong export demand from India, Burma bean and pulse exports in the first quarter of 2016 (January-March) dropped 41 percent from the same period in 2015 due to low domestic stocks, according to US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Burma bean and pulse exports in the first quarter of 2016 (January-March) sharply decreased by 41 percent to 382,284 metric tons (MT) from 652,375 MT from the same period of 2015 due mainly to higher Mapte bean prices and limited supplies. More specifically, official non-border trade exports fell 45 percent to 300,950 MT while unofficial border trade decreased by 20 percent to 81,334 MT.

India accounted for 67 percent of total exports in the first quarter of 2016 led by Toor whole and Black Matpe varieties. Toor whole varieties led all exports accounting for 35 percent of total exports followed by Black Matpe at 31 percent, and Moong bean at 23 percent. Domestic wholesale prices for all types of bean and pulses declined in response to new crop supplies entering the market.

Burma bean and pulse exports are composed of official non-border exports and unofficial exports along the borders, mainly to India, Thailand and China. Black Matpe, Moong bean, and Toor whole are the leading pulse exports, accounting for approximately 90 percent of total official non-border exports in the first 3 months of 2016 (January-March).





Domestic wholesale prices for all types of beans and pulses decreased from January to March due to the arrival of winter supplies into the market. New crop supplies of Toor whole, Matpe and Moong bean entered the market in February 2016 resulting in lower prices.



Export Prospect
Post expects total bean and pulse exports in the second quarter of 2016 (April-June) to increase as new supplies enter the market and demand from India grows.

(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91-22-40015533)