Chinese Bean FOB Prices Edge Lower as Wet Weather Tightens Adzuki Supply

Mung, kidney and adzuki bean FOB prices from China are broadly stable to slightly softer in early September, with only narrow day‑to‑day moves and no signs of a sharp break lower. Wet conditions in key adzuki areas and still‑firm export demand are preventing deeper corrections, especially for premium grades. Chinese bean markets enter mid‑September with a mixed tone. Organic mung beans show mild softening after prior gains, while conventional mung holds a slight upward bias. Large and dark red kidney beans are easing but remain historically firm against competing origins in Brazil and the UK. Adzuki beans stay relatively well supported as traders monitor reduced sowing and persistent wet weather in parts of southern and southwestern China, which could trim yield potential. Overall liquidity is moderate, export demand is underpinned by improving Chinese trade flows, and weather risks are being watched more closely than macro drivers in the very short term.

Prices

FOB Beijing prices, converted to EUR at ~0.92 EUR/USD for comparison:

China’s average export unit value for mung beans is reported around USD 1.85/kg (≈ EUR 1.70/kg) for September, modestly higher year-on-year, which is consistent with the relatively firm Beijing FOB indications. 

Supply & Demand

Domestically, China remains a key exporter of mung and adzuki beans, while kidney bean export volumes have structurally declined in recent years due to lower sown area.  Current market tightness is most visible in adzuki, where reports highlight reduced 2026 acreage and concerns that persistent wet conditions will curb yields, supporting prices despite small recent dips. 

On the demand side, China’s overall export activity is accelerating, with customs data showing solid growth in total exports during the first eight months of 2026.  While beans are a small fraction of this trade, improved logistics and stronger overseas demand, especially from South and Southeast Asia, underpin offers in Beijing. Competing origins in Brazil and Europe provide some cap on Chinese kidney bean prices but are not currently triggering a major shift in trade flows.

Weather & Crop Conditions (China)

China’s state climate outlook for mid- to late September calls for above-normal rainfall in parts of Northeast China and southwestern regions, with temperatures generally above the long-term average in many agricultural belts.  In southwest provinces such as Yunnan, seasonal forecasts similarly point to wetter-than-normal conditions through September.  These areas are important for late-season pulses, including adzuki and some mung production.

In northern inland areas such as Inner Mongolia, September weather is trending cooler and drier, with daytime highs mostly in the mid-teens to low-20s Celsius and limited heavy rainfall episodes, favourable for ripening and harvest of early pulses.  Overall, the pattern suggests locally challenging, wet fieldwork in southern and southwestern pulse zones, but reasonably good harvest windows in key northern areas, leaving national bean supply broadly balanced.

Fundamentals & Market Drivers

• Export price structure: China’s official mung bean export unit value around EUR 1.70/kg aligns with firm but not extreme domestic FOB quotes, indicating exporters are still competitive globally without needing sharp discounts. 
• Adzuki tightening: Industry reports of significantly reduced adzuki bean area in 2026, combined with wet weather, imply tighter new-crop availability and a supportive floor under prices into Q4. 
• Macro & FX: Strengthening of China’s export sector in general  and a relatively stable CNY limit volatility in export bean offers, while modest USD softness versus EUR slightly improves margins for euro-based buyers.

Trading Outlook & 3-Day Price Indications (EUR)

• Importers (Europe, MENA, Asia): Use current mild weakness in Chinese kidney and organic mung beans to secure partial Q4 coverage. Prioritise adzuki purchases earlier rather than later, given structurally tighter fundamentals.
• Chinese exporters: Maintain offer discipline on adzuki and higher-quality mung; limited downside is likely while wet weather persists. For conventional kidney beans, consider flexible pricing or blends to defend market share against Brazil.
• End-users: Where formulation allows, diversify between mung and other pulses (e.g., peas, fava) to reduce exposure to any weather-driven spikes in adzuki or specialty kidneys.

Short-term (next 3 days, FOB Beijing directional view):

• Mung beans (organic & 3.8 mm up): Stable to slightly firm (±0.5–1%) on steady export inquiries.
• Kidney beans (large white, dark red, black): Slightly soft to stable (–0.5–1%) as selling interest remains ahead of main international buying programs.
• Adzuki beans (red): Stable to mildly firm (0–1%) with wet-weather and acreage concerns continuing to support bids.