Brazil consolidates leading position in bean and sesame exports in 2025

Brazil is experiencing a historic moment in the international trade of specialty grains. Consolidated data through September 2025 show that the country exported 361,864 tonnes of beans — the highest volume ever recorded — and shipped 349,674 tonnes of sesame abroad, also an all-time record.

In the case of beans, the highlight is the growing diversification of varieties and markets. The main star this year is the black mung bean, officially launched by the Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC) in 2024. The variety, which was not previously cultivated in Brazil, has already reached 171,000 tonnes in exports, positioning the country among the world’s leading suppliers of this legume.

Other bean types have also gained strength. Black beans, which were largely imported until 2023, reached 59,000 tonnes in exports. Pinto, red and white beans together totaled 54,000 tonnes, while white cowpea — grown mainly in Mato Grosso — accounted for another 66,000 tonnes. All this growth occurred without affecting domestic supply, which remains sustained by carioca beans, representing around 65% of Brazil’s national production and still destined mainly for domestic consumption.

This progress is a direct result of collaboration between research institutions, producers, and exporters. Organizations such as IAC, Embrapa, and IDR-Paraná have been developing new, higher-yielding cultivars adapted to Brazilian conditions, while farmers and exporters have taken the lead in adopting technology, financing, and commercialization strategies.

Sesame has also confirmed its status as one of the most promising crops in Brazilian agribusiness. In September 2025, Brazil exported 109,000 tonnes, representing a 60.3% increase from August. The main destinations were China (64,000 tonnes, 58% of the total), India (23,000 tonnes), Vietnam (7,000 tonnes), and Turkey (6,000 tonnes). Year to date, the country has shipped 349,674 tonnes, consolidating its position as one of the world’s largest exporters of oilseeds.

According to Marcelo Eduardo Lüders, president of IBRAFE, this performance reflects a new phase of maturity for the sector. “Brazil is proving that it can combine technology, sustainability, and commercial strategy. Beans and sesame have ceased to be complementary crops and have become pillars of Brazil’s new agricultural export agenda, with high added value and global recognition,” he said.

With rising productivity and new markets opening up, Brazil is solidifying its image as a reliable supplier of real food, reinforcing the role of Brazilian beans and sesame in global food security.

Source: Notícias Agrícolas

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