Are imports of dry beans a major part of the U.S. market?
A. Until recently, imports consistently accounted for 4-6 percent of domestic consumption. Although on the rise this decade, imports are not generally a threat to the U.S. dry bean industry with mostly small volumes spread out over several classes. Most import volume appears to be border trade with Canada and Mexico, while other imports are of beans not heavily grown in the United States (e.g., mung beans). Import penetration varies widely by year and bean class, but among major U.S. classes, penetration has been strongest in black beans and garbanzo beans.
