Chapter 10 - An Overview of World Peanut Markets

Abstract

The peanut is one of the five most important oilseeds produced in the world. However, its ranking has decreased from third to either fourth or fifth as a result of the increasing importance of sunflower seed and rapeseed. Peanut production occurs on six continents. The peanut-producing countries may be grouped geographically into three major regions with subregions: the Americas (Northern, Southern, and Latin); Africa (Eastern, Southern, Western); and Asia (Eastern, South Eastern, South Western). World peanut production in 2010–2013 (4-year mean) averaged 39,526,000 MT, 136% more than the 1970s average production of 16,719,000MT. Production is a function of area harvested and yield. Although global area harvested has increased, technology-driven gains in yield (from 0.9 MT/Ha in the 1970s to 1.6MT/Ha for 2010–2013) have been the major factor for increased oilseed peanut productivity. About two-thirds of annual peanut production comes from Eastern Asia and West Africa. Peanut-consuming countries include the same groupings plus Europe (Eastern, European Union-28, Western) and Oceania. The bulk of oilseed peanut consumption occurs in the regions of origin. Data for oilseed peanut production, crush, consumption, and trade are reported for geographic regions as well as individual countries. These statistics provide insight to interesting trends in the market situation for peanuts and peanut products over four decades (1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s) plus recent years, 2010–2013.