The Canadian pulses market is entering the new crop season with a mixed but interesting outlook. After an exceptionally strong 2025 harvest, Canada is still carrying large stocks of pulses and legumes. Export demand remains healthy, but the large available supply has kept pressure on prices across several products.
For the 2026-27 crop year, the overall seeded area for pulses and special crops is expected to be lower than last year. This is mainly linked to weaker returns in the previous season. At the same time, current crop conditions and weather during the rest of the summer will remain important factors for final production. While production is expected to move closer to normal levels, Canadian supply will remain relatively comfortable because of high carry-in stocks.
Lentils remain one of the most important products in Canada’s pulse export sector. During the 2025-26 crop year, Canadian lentil exports are expected to reach a very strong level, with red lentils representing the larger share and green lentils making up the rest. India, the UAE, and Turkey continue to be key international destinations.
The main story for the Canadian lentils market is the combination of strong exports and high available stocks. Large supplies, especially for large green lentils and red lentils, have kept the lentil price under pressure during the current crop year.
Looking ahead to 2026-27, Canadian farmers have reduced lentil acreage compared with last season. Saskatchewan remains by far the largest production area, followed by Alberta and Manitoba. Production is expected to decline from the exceptional level of the previous crop, but high carry-in stocks will continue to support overall Canadian supply.
From a market perspective, this could create a more balanced situation as the season progresses. Prices for both large green lentils and red lentils are expected to improve compared with the previous crop year, particularly if international demand remains strong. Import demand from the Indian subcontinent will be an important factor to watch.
The green lentil market is currently facing competition between different origins, particularly for demand from South Asia. Large green lentils continue to hold a premium over red lentils, although the premium has narrowed compared with the previous season.
Recent market activity has been relatively quiet, with buyers paying more attention to crop development and fall shipping requirements rather than making aggressive purchases. The condition of the Saskatchewan crop is therefore becoming increasingly important for the bulk price of Canadian green lentils.
Red lentils remain the largest part of Canada’s lentil export program. Strong demand from international markets has supported exports, but large inventories have limited price strength.
The outlook for the new crop is somewhat more positive. With lower planted area and expected production closer to normal levels, the market could gradually become tighter. However, the large volume of existing stocks means that the improvement in lentil price is likely to depend strongly on export demand during the coming months.
The Canadian chickpeas market is also moving into the new crop with a relatively large supply base. Exports during 2025-26 are expected to reach a record level, supported by demand from Pakistan, the European Union, Turkey, and the United States.
Despite strong exports, higher availability from Canada, the United States, and Australia has put pressure on chickpea prices. For 2026-27, Canadian chickpea acreage is expected to decline slightly and production is forecast to be lower, mainly because of lower expected yields.
However, carry-in stocks will remain high, meaning that total Canadian supply is not expected to become tight. As a result, the average chickpea price is likely to remain under pressure unless global supply conditions change significantly.
Canada’s dry pea exports continue to benefit from solid demand from Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, China, and the United States. However, large stocks from the previous crop have kept prices relatively low. For the new season, lower planted area and a smaller expected crop could provide some support to prices, particularly if global supply also declines.
The dry bean market is showing a similar transition. Higher North American supply pressured prices during the 2025-26 season, while lower seeded area in Canada and the United States is expected to reduce production in 2026-27. This may create a more supportive price environment for Canadian dry beans as the new crop develops.
From a global market perspective, the pulse sector is currently in a transition period. Buyers are balancing comfortable Canadian supply against uncertainty around the new crop and changing demand in major importing countries.
India remains particularly important for Canadian lentils and green lentils. Slow progress and uncertainty around the country’s kharif pulse crops have increased market attention toward alternative origins, including Canada. This could provide additional opportunities for Canadian suppliers if India’s import demand remains strong.
At the same time, crop conditions in Western Canada need to be monitored closely. Although a large part of the pulse crop is currently reported to be in good condition, moisture-related issues and weaker field conditions have been reported in some areas, especially in lentils. Final yields and quality will become clearer as the growing season progresses.
Overall, I see the Canadian pulses market as well supplied but gradually moving toward a more balanced situation. Large carry-in stocks are limiting immediate price strength, but lower seeded areas and the possibility of more normal production in 2026-27 could provide support later in the season.
For buyers, the current period may offer opportunities to secure Canadian lentils, green lentils, red lentils, and other pulses before the market gains a clearer direction. For sellers and importers planning their next shipments, international demand—especially from South Asia—along with Canadian crop conditions will be the key factors to monitor through August and the beginning of the new crop season.
