Canadian Dry Beans Prices Expected to Decline 9 Percent

Dry bean exports and prices forecast to face challenges

The 2024-2025 outlook for Canadian dry beans indicates that exports will remain similar to last year at 0.4 million tonnes (Mt). The U.S. and the European Union continue to be the primary markets, with higher demand from these regions balancing lower demand from Mexico and Japan.  

However, the increased North American supply has pressured prices, resulting in a 9% forecasted decline in the average price for the year, with a price of $1,100 per tonne. This price drop is compounded by lower prices for Canadian white pea beans (down 3%), pinto beans (down 18%), and black beans (down 13%) from 2023-24 levels.  

Despite this, the weaker Canadian dollar against the U.S. dollar may partially mitigate the price decline. 

For 2025-2026, the outlook shows a decrease in seeded area, with a forecasted 11% reduction to 145 thousand hectares (Kha). The decrease is primarily due to lower returns compared to other crops. By province, Ontario is expected to account for 30% of the dry bean area, while Manitoba will plant 54%, and Alberta will contribute 10%. 

Production for 2025-2026 is projected at 370 Kt, a decrease from the previous year. Despite higher carry-in stocks, the total supply is expected to fall by 4%. Exports are forecast to decline further, while carry-out stocks will remain unchanged. The price for Canadian dry beans is expected to increase slightly, driven by a stronger Canadian dollar and a decrease in North American supply. 

In the U.S., the USDA forecasts a 4% decrease in dry bean acreage to 1.47 million acres (0.59 Mha), driven by reduced area in North Dakota, the largest dry bean-growing state. 

The Canadian dry bean market faces challenges in export demand and price pressure, with the 2025-2026 outlook showing a further reduction in production and exports. 

This report provides an update to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) April outlook for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 crop years, which run from August 1 to July 31 for dry beans. AAFC notes that the projections are based on market conditions and trade policies in effect as of May 13, 2025. 

Photo Credit: gettyimages-artqu