China Beans Market: Stable Prices, Dynamic Trade Flows in Early Q2 2026

China’s beans market enters late April with generally stable to slightly firmer domestic FOB prices, while trade flows remain highly dynamic. Imports are increasingly concentrated in India, Thailand and Ethiopia, and exports to India, Russia, Yemen and Greece stay at elevated levels. Weather in key origins looks broadly supportive, keeping supply risks moderate but requiring close monitoring of logistics and demand shifts.

China’s role as both a major importer and exporter of beans is becoming more pronounced in early 2026. Inbound volumes from South and Southeast Asia and East Africa expanded in January–February and are likely to continue underpinning domestic availability into April. At the same time, strong outbound demand from South Asia, the Middle East and parts of Europe is helping to absorb Chinese supply and support price stability, especially for higher‑value kidney and adzuki beans.

📈 Prices & Spreads

FOB Beijing prices in EUR indicate a broadly sideways to mildly firmer trend across key Chinese bean varieties in April:

Product (CN, FOB Beijing)	Spec	Price 24 Apr 2026 (EUR/kg)	Change vs 16 Apr 2026
Mung beans	organic, 99.5%	1.57	−0.02
Mung beans	3.8 mm up, 99.5%	1.48	−0.01
Kidney beans	large white, non‑organic	2.03	+0.01
Kidney beans	dark red, non‑organic	1.24	+0.01
Kidney beans	black, non‑organic	1.03	+0.01
Adzuki beans	red, non‑organic, 5.0 mm up	1.31	+0.01

Outside China, Brazilian FOB kidney bean prices around EUR 1.32–1.37/kg and UK FOB prices near EUR 1.26–1.55/kg leave Chinese large white and premium organic beans priced at a noticeable premium, consistent with their quality and branding. This price structure supports continued interest in Chinese origin for niche and higher‑grade segments, especially in Europe and the Middle East.

🌍 Supply & Demand Flows

Import data for January–February 2026 show China’s dry bean purchases concentrated in India, Thailand and Ethiopia, with India and Thailand recording particularly strong growth. Assuming trends persist, April imports are likely to continue relying on these origins, subject to monthly demand conditions, currency moves and freight costs.

• Supply from South & Southeast Asia: Seasonal outlooks for India suggest near‑normal to above‑normal rainfall and mostly normal to below‑normal maximum temperatures for April, supporting field operations and upcoming harvests in many pulse regions, although some eastern and northeastern zones may see more heat.
• East Africa contributions (Ethiopia): Recent agro‑meteorological updates point to broadly favorable Belg‑season rains in many Ethiopian cropping areas, improving soil moisture and supporting pulse production, though localised flooding remains a risk in some zones.

On the export side, China’s shipments in January–February 2026 remained concentrated on India, Russia, Yemen and Greece, with export volumes staying high. This pattern is likely to persist into April if demand in these destinations holds, particularly if seasonal consumption and restocking in parts of Europe and the Middle East strengthen. Any renewed disruptions to international logistics or freight costs could temporarily slow flows, but current information suggests manageable risk levels.

📊 Fundamentals & Weather Context

Domestically, China’s spring fieldwork is progressing, supported by increasing adoption of smart agriculture and digital tools that improve operational efficiency and timing. Although these reports focus on major row crops, similar benefits extend to pulses, potentially stabilising medium‑term bean supply.

Weather in Northeast China – a key region for pulses and other field crops – has recently been cooler and wetter than average, delaying soil warming and raising some risk of slower sowing in 2026. However, it is still early in the planting window, and any delays can likely be recovered if conditions normalise in May.

Globally, weather outlooks for East Africa point to wetter‑than‑usual conditions in many parts of Ethiopia and neighbouring countries through April, supporting crop establishment but also heightening local flood risks. Overall, current agro‑climatic signals are more supportive than threatening for China’s main bean suppliers, aligning with the expectation of continued steady import availability in Q2.

📌 Trading Outlook & Strategy

• Importers in China: With India, Thailand and Ethiopia supply conditions broadly favourable and prices stable, consider maintaining normal coverage for April–May while avoiding excessive forward commitments; watch for any freight or currency volatility that could improve import arbitrage.
• Exporters from China: Given sustained demand from India, Russia, Yemen and Greece and firm differentials for large white and premium kidney beans, selectively lock in sales on minor price rallies, especially for higher‑grade lots, while keeping flexibility for potential seasonal demand spikes in Europe.
• International buyers: For buyers in Europe and the Middle East, Chinese origin remains competitively priced for quality‑sensitive segments relative to Brazil and the UK; consider diversifying origin mix to hedge against regional weather or logistics shocks.

📆 3‑Day Directional Price Outlook (EUR, FOB)

• China (Beijing, mung & kidney beans): Sideways to mildly firm over the next three trading days, with stable fundamentals and active export demand keeping a floor under prices.
• Brazil (Brasília, kidney & alubia beans): Largely stable, as no fresh weather or policy shocks are evident; export competition with China remains manageable.
• UK (London, fava and broad beans, dried splits): Flat outlook, with local prices anchored by ample supply and limited fresh demand or currency impulses in the very short term.