Stable Sentiment in Chinese Bean Markets: Supply Tightens, Demand Slows, Prices Hold

The Chinese bean market is experiencing a phase of relative calm as the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) draws to a close. Red kidney bean trading is wrapping up, with mainstream prices generally stable and only slight upward pressure in regions where supply is particularly tight. This tranquility is underpinned by both subdued supply and demand fundamentals. On the supply side, with traders and processors on holiday and farmers preoccupied with festivities, production and shipping activity has dipped significantly.

As a result, supply into the market from producing regions has fallen during the second half of February. Demand, meanwhile, has also softened; domestic processors and exporters are focusing on working through existing inventories rather than placing substantial new orders. With both supply and demand muted, and no significant shocks expected in the short term, market consensus anticipates prices for red kidney beans and related varieties to maintain a stable tone through late February. Any price movements are expected to be narrowly confined and largely dependent on local supply situations.

📈 Latest Market Prices

Type	Origin	Location	FOB Price (€/kg)	Change (€/kg)	Update Date	Sentiment
Kidney beans, dark red	BR	Brasília	1.41	-0.01	2026-02-21	Stable
Kidney beans, brown eye	BR	Brasília	1.36	-0.01	2026-02-21	Stable
Kidney beans, white 99%	GB	London	1.34	-0.01	2026-02-21	Stable

🌍 Supply & Demand Dynamics

• Supply: Significantly reduced by holiday closures among traders and processing plants, and farmers’ limited activity due to Spring Festival. Overall supply from producing regions declined in late February.
• Demand: Domestic processors and exporters show limited buying, focusing on existing stocks rather than fresh purchases. Both domestic consumption and export inquiries have slowed.
• Result: The market features simultaneous weak supply and demand. No major shocks expected.

📊 Fundamentals & Market Drivers

• Seasonality: Lunar New Year holidays traditionally reduce both production and transaction volumes.
• Inventory Situation: Downstream participants are working to digest current stockpiles, further dampening new buying.
• Price Outlook: Stable to slightly firmer in localities with exceptionally tight supply; otherwise, prices are expected to remain flat through end February.
• Speculative Activity: Minimal, with most participants in wait-and-see mode as market activity resumes post-holiday.

⛅ Weather & Regional Outlook

• No major weather disruptions have been reported in Chinese bean-producing regions. Seasonal temperature patterns continue, with little impact expected for late February yields or quality.
• Looking ahead, weather developments will regain importance as regular trading activity resumes in March.

🌐 Global Context & Comparisons

• While the Chinese bean market is focused on stability, international prices for key bean varieties (Kidney beans: Brazil €1.41/kg, UK €1.34/kg) have shown minor declines, indicating similar supply-demand balance overseas.
• Chinese prices for select kidney beans (e.g., dark red, large white) are holding steady, with only marginal adjustments noted among different origins and types.
• Import/export flows are expected to remain subdued until post-holiday normalization in China.

🔎 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

• For exporters: Await clearer post-holiday demand signals. Use stable prices as a base for upcoming negotiations.
• For importers/buyers: Consider spot purchasing only if local supply appears tight; otherwise, price appreciation risk is low in the near term.
• For traders: Monitor regional supply constraints, as localized shortages could prompt brief price rises.

📆 3-Day Regional Price Forecast

Product / Market	Current Price (€/kg)	Forecast Trend	Expected Range (€/kg)
Kidney beans, dark red (Brazil, FOB)	1.41	Stable	1.40 – 1.42
Kidney beans, white 99% (UK, FOB)	1.34	Stable	1.33 – 1.35
Kidney beans, dark red (CN, Beijing, FOB)	1.35	Stable / Slightly Firm	1.35 – 1.37

Conclusion: The Chinese bean market is in a holding pattern, with both supply and demand temporarily subdued due to holiday effects. Prices should remain steady through the end of February, with potential for isolated strength where supplies are tight. Buyers and sellers should be prepared for a return to more active trading and normalized price discovery in early March.