Top 10 chickpeas importing countries in the world in 2025

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Written by Robert Gultig

28 April 2025

Introduction

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a popular legume consumed worldwide for their nutritional value and versatility in cooking. The global chickpeas market is driven by factors such as increasing awareness about the health benefits of chickpeas, rising demand for plant-based protein sources, and growing popularity of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines.
In this report, we will analyze the top 10 chickpeas importing countries in the world in 2025. We will delve into the financial data, industry insights, and trends that contribute to these countries’ significant imports of chickpeas.

1. India

Financial Data

India is one of the largest importers of chickpeas in the world, primarily due to its high demand for pulses and legumes. In 2025, India imported over 1 million metric tons of chickpeas, with a total import value of $800 million.

Industry Insights

The Indian chickpeas market is driven by factors such as population growth, changing dietary preferences, and increasing awareness about the health benefits of chickpeas. The country’s diverse culinary traditions also contribute to the high demand for chickpeas in various forms, such as chickpea flour (besan) and canned chickpeas.

2. Pakistan

Financial Data

Pakistan is another significant importer of chickpeas, importing over 800,000 metric tons of chickpeas in 2025, with a total import value of $600 million.

Industry Insights

The Pakistani chickpeas market is driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and increasing disposable income. Chickpeas are a staple ingredient in Pakistani cuisine, used in dishes such as chana masala and falafel.

3. Turkey

Financial Data

Turkey is a major importer of chickpeas, importing over 700,000 metric tons of chickpeas in 2025, with a total import value of $500 million.

Industry Insights

The Turkish chickpeas market is driven by factors such as the country’s strong culinary tradition, increasing health consciousness among consumers, and growing demand for plant-based protein sources. Chickpeas are a key ingredient in traditional Turkish dishes such as hummus and falafel.

4. Egypt

Financial Data

Egypt is a significant importer of chickpeas, importing over 600,000 metric tons of chickpeas in 2025, with a total import value of $400 million.

Industry Insights

The Egyptian chickpeas market is driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and increasing demand for protein-rich foods. Chickpeas are a staple ingredient in Egyptian cuisine, used in dishes such as ful medames and taameya.

5. United Arab Emirates

Financial Data

The United Arab Emirates is a significant importer of chickpeas, importing over 500,000 metric tons of chickpeas in 2025, with a total import value of $300 million.

Industry Insights

The UAE chickpeas market is driven by factors such as a diverse population with varied culinary preferences, increasing health consciousness, and the popularity of Middle Eastern cuisine. Chickpeas are a versatile ingredient used in dishes such as hummus, falafel, and salads.

6. Bangladesh

Financial Data

Bangladesh is a significant importer of chickpeas, importing over 400,000 metric tons of chickpeas in 2025, with a total import value of $250 million.

Industry Insights

The Bangladeshi chickpeas market is driven by factors such as population growth, changing dietary habits, and increasing awareness about the health benefits of chickpeas. Chickpeas are used in a variety of traditional Bangladeshi dishes, such as chola bhuna and chola dal.

7. Spain

Financial Data

Spain is a significant importer of chickpeas, importing over 300,000 metric tons of chickpeas in 2025, with a total import value of $200 million.

Industry Insights

The Spanish chickpeas market is driven by factors such as the country’s culinary tradition, increasing demand for plant-based protein sources, and growing popularity of Mediterranean cuisine. Chickpeas are a key ingredient in Spanish dishes such as cocido madrileño and garbanzos con espinacas.

8. Italy

Financial Data

Italy is a significant importer of chickpeas, importing over 200,000 metric tons of chickpeas in 2025, with a total import value of $150 million.

Industry Insights

The Italian chickpeas market is driven by factors such as the country’s culinary tradition, increasing health consciousness among consumers, and growing demand for plant-based protein sources. Chickpeas are used in a variety of Italian dishes, such as pasta e ceci and farinata.

9. Saudi Arabia

Financial Data

Saudi Arabia is a significant importer of chickpeas, importing over 100,000 metric tons of chickpeas in 2025, with a total import value of $100 million.

Industry Insights

The Saudi Arabian chickpeas market is driven by factors such as a growing population, increasing health consciousness, and the popularity of Middle Eastern cuisine. Chickpeas are used in traditional Saudi dishes such as hummus, falafel, and kushari.

10. Iraq

Financial Data

Iraq is a significant importer of chickpeas, importing over 50,000 metric tons of chickpeas in 2025, with a total import value of $50 million.

Industry Insights

The Iraqi chickpeas market is driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and increasing demand for protein-rich foods. Chickpeas are a staple ingredient in Iraqi cuisine, used in dishes such as masgouf and falafel.
In conclusion, the top 10 chickpeas importing countries in the world in 2025 play a crucial role in driving the global chickpeas market. These countries’ diverse culinary traditions, changing dietary preferences, and increasing health consciousness contribute to their significant imports of chickpeas. As the popularity of plant-based protein sources continues to rise, the demand for chickpeas is expected to grow further in the coming years.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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