Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormDried
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Red kidney beans (dried Phaseolus vulgaris) are part of Argentina’s export-oriented dry bean sector, with production concentrated in the country’s northwestern provinces (NOA). UN Comtrade-based data (HS 071333) indicates Argentina ships dried kidney beans to a diversified set of foreign markets, including regional and Mediterranean destinations. For cross-border shipments, phytosanitary compliance is central: exporters typically must meet destination-country plant health requirements and obtain SENASA phytosanitary export certification. Supply reliability can be affected by drought-driven agricultural volatility and episodic port/logistics disruptions in Argentina’s main agro-export corridors.
Market RoleExport-oriented producer and exporter
Domestic RoleExport-oriented pulse crop supply base with commercial focus on export lots for international buyers
SeasonalityCommercial exporters of Argentine-origin kidney beans commonly report planting in February–March and harvest in May–July in the NOA production belt, with timing varying by province and variety.
Specification
Primary VarietyRed kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Physical Attributes- Uniform red color is a key acceptance attribute for export lots
- Low foreign matter and low broken/defective beans are commonly specified in export contracts
- Insect-free condition is a common buyer requirement for dried bean shipments
Compositional Metrics- Moisture limits are contract-specified to reduce mold risk during storage and sea transit
- Some Argentine exporter specifications for Phaseolus vulgaris dry beans cite moisture targets around 13%; verify against the buyer’s contract specification for red kidney beans
Grades- Quality is typically defined by defect and foreign matter thresholds (contract/buyer specification-driven)
Packaging- Poly-laminated bags (commonly 25 kg or 50 kg) for bulk export
- Big bags used for some bulk programs
- Shipped in dry containers (commonly 20' for bulk pulses), subject to buyer and route requirements
Supply Chain
Value Chain- NOA farm production → primary cleaning/conditioning (screening, gravity separation, color sorting) → bagging/big-bagging → inland haulage to seaports → containerized sea export
Temperature- No cold chain required; quality protection depends on dry storage and avoiding condensation during container transport
Shelf Life- Shelf life is long under dry, insect-controlled storage; moisture ingress and insect infestation are primary deterioration risks
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighDried kidney bean exports must meet destination-country phytosanitary requirements and obtain SENASA phytosanitary export certification; missing/incorrect certification, protocol deviations, or document mismatches can trigger border holds, required treatments, or rejection.Confirm destination ONPF requirements before contracting; align SENASA certification steps, inspections/treatments, and all documents (certificate, export filing, lot IDs) prior to stuffing/dispatch.
Climate MediumArgentina’s agricultural output is exposed to recurring drought conditions and weather volatility that have reduced yields in recent seasons; pulse crops in the NOA production belt can face year-to-year supply and quality variability.Diversify sourcing across NOA provinces and suppliers; use flexible shipment windows and contracts that anticipate volume/quality variability.
Logistics MediumArgentina’s main agro-export corridors have experienced periodic labor strikes and operational disruptions (notably around the Rosario hub), which can delay vessel operations and increase demurrage and logistics costs for agricultural exports, including containerized dry commodities.Build schedule buffers; pre-book equipment and confirm carrier cut-offs early; keep alternative routing/port options available where feasible.
FAQ
Which Argentine regions are most associated with dry bean (poroto) production relevant to red kidney beans?Published agronomic and campaign reporting places Argentina’s common bean (poroto, Phaseolus vulgaris) production primarily in the northwestern provinces (NOA), including Salta, Jujuy, Tucumán, Santiago del Estero, and Catamarca.
What is the typical harvest window for Argentine-origin kidney beans in the NOA production belt?Commercial exporter calendars for Argentine kidney beans commonly indicate a May–July harvest window in the NOA, with timing varying by province and variety.
What is a core compliance requirement for exporting dried kidney beans from Argentina?A core requirement is meeting the destination country’s phytosanitary import requirements and obtaining a SENASA phytosanitary export certificate; document consistency and adherence to any destination protocol are critical to avoid border holds or rejection.