Gulfood
17 To 21 FEB 2025 | DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE
We’re excited to see you at Gulfood 2025!
Gulfood
17 To 21 FEB 2025 | DUBAI WORLD TRADE CENTRE
We’re excited to see you at Gulfood 2025!
During May, the Canadian lentil market continued to show strength. Export demand remained active throughout the month, particularly for red lentils, helping maintain a positive tone across international markets.
One of the most important developments was the strong pace of Canadian exports. Shipments remained well above historical averages, supported by consistent buying interest from major destinations in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. India continued to play a leading role in global demand, while buyers in the United Arab Emirates and Egypt also remained active.
At the same time, processors and exporters reported that farmer selling slowed compared to immediate market requirements. This created tighter nearby availability even though overall supplies remain historically large.
Another factor attracting market attention was the slower-than-normal pace of seeding across Western Canada. Cool temperatures and wet spring conditions delayed fieldwork in several regions during the first half of May. Although planting progress improved later in the month, it continued to trail both last year and the recent average pace.
Despite these delays, growing conditions generally remain favorable. Soil moisture reserves across much of the Canadian Prairies are supportive for crop development and have improved yield potential for the coming season.
Toward the end of May, market conditions softened slightly as participants acknowledged that large carryover inventories are likely to remain available ahead of the next harvest. Even so, strong export movement and weather-related uncertainty continue to provide underlying support to the market.
International lentil markets displayed mixed behavior during May.
Canadian lentils benefited from robust export activity, while Australian markets received support from reduced grower selling and commercial short covering. Export performance from Australia slowed compared to earlier months, although shipments for the marketing year remain significantly above last season.
Demand from India remains one of the key drivers shaping global trade. Market participants increasingly believe that Indian import requirements could stay stronger than previously anticipated through the remainder of the year, particularly for red lentils.
Green lentils, however, faced a more balanced demand environment. Buying interest from the Indian has not shown the same level of improvement seen in red lentils, resulting in a quieter market tone for some green varieties.
Global chickpea markets also experienced a generally positive month.
Demand from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and other South Asian destinations improved gradually, supporting trade activity for both Desi and selected Kabuli varieties. Exporters reported better movement compared to the beginning of the year as buyers returned to the market for nearby requirements.
India’s latest production estimates attracted limited market reaction. While the country is expected to harvest a larger chickpea crop than last season, demand from neighboring importing countries helped keep the market stable.
Australian chickpea exports remain below the exceptionally high levels seen a year ago, largely reflecting reduced imports by India. Nevertheless, export volumes continue to remain relatively strong.
The Canadian pulse sector continues to see large supplies along with steady demand from international buyers.
Large inventories carried over from the record 2025 harvest remain a defining feature of the market. Lentils, peas, chickpeas, and several other field crops entered 2026 with significantly larger stocks than in previous years.
Looking ahead to the 2026/27 crop year, seeded area intentions suggest relatively modest changes for lentils and chickpeas, while production is expected to return closer to long-term averages after last year’s exceptional harvest. As a result, total supplies are projected to remain comfortable, although lower production could gradually reduce inventory levels over time.
Export demand remains the critical factor to watch. Continued purchasing from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Middle East, and North Africa will largely determine how quickly current supplies are used up.
May was a month defined by strong export performance, delayed seeding progress, and continued attention on global demand.
Canadian lentils remained the strongest segment of the pulse market, supported by active shipments and expectations for ongoing import demand from key international buyers. Chickpeas also benefited from improving regional demand, while the overall pulse sector remained influenced by the balance between large available supplies and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming crop.
Although large carryover stocks are still putting some pressure on the market outlook, strong export demand and good growing conditions helped keep the Canadian pulse market relatively positive throughout May.
Through the first five months of 2026, Canadian pulse markets have been characterized by exceptional export movement and strong international engagement.
Lentils have been the standout performer, with shipments running ahead of last year and reaching some of the strongest levels seen in recent years. Demand from India has exceeded many early expectations and has become a major source of support for the market.
At the same time, record supplies generated from the previous harvest have prevented markets from becoming too tight. Instead, the sector has experienced a balance between strong demand and abundant inventories.
As we move into the second half of the year, market direction will increasingly depend on Prairie weather conditions, crop development, and the pace of international buying. For now, the overall outlook remains positive, with export demand continuing to provide the foundation for the Canadian pulse market.
AAFC and Statistics Canada data showing the relationship between export volumes and average lentil prices across recent crop years.
At Lord Agro Trade, we continue to monitor the market closely and work directly with farms and processors to offer consistent quality and competitive options.
Our latest pulses price and lentils price updates are regularly published on our website. I recommend checking them frequently to stay aligned with the market and identifying the best buying opportunities.