STAT Communications Ag Market News

Rebound in South Africa Beans

PRETORIA - Mar 1/17 - SNS -- South Africa expect dry edible bean production to rebound, along with other crops, because of a dramatic improvement in average yields over last year's drought reduced crop, according to the South Africa Grain Information Service (SAGIS).

This year's seeded area was pegged at 45,550 hectares, up from 34,400 last year; while the country's first production estimate for summer crops forecast a 64,345 metric ton (MT) harvest, up sharply from 35,445 last year.

South Africa remains fundamentally short of dry edible beans, with the result imports could be up in the coming year because of a more relaxed tone in international markets and strong regional demand resulting from lingering drought in other parts of Africa. Most demand is covered by Chinese speckled beans.

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