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!
When you’re in the business of sourcing pulses on a global scale, keeping a sharp eye on the price of lentils, and specifically on the trends surrounding Canadian lentils, is absolutely essential. This detailed article breaks down everything importers need to know: from the latest export and import price data of Canadian lentils to supply-and-demand dynamics, key markets and competitors, risk factors, and strategic insights for securing favorable deals. Whether you are a seasoned procurement manager or new to sourcing Canadian pulses, this article gives you a comprehensive roadmap.
The keyword “price lentils” is more than just a search term—it reflects a critical metric in the global pulses trade. For importers sourcing from Canada:
The export price of Canadian lentils affects your landed cost and margin.
The import price and market price fluctuations influence negotiation leverage and contract timing.
Because Canada is a major supplier of lentils globally, changes in Canadian lentil pricing ripple through global markets.
The rest of this article will focus on the Canadian lentil market—its pricing history, current status, and what importers should watch when sourcing.
Before diving into price data, it’s vital to understand the backdrop of the Canadian lentil sector.
Canada is a top global producer and exporter of dried lentils.
Lentil cultivation is concentrated in the Prairie Provinces, especially Saskatchewan, with over 90% of national output.
Varieties exported include red (whole and split) and green (large, medium, and small) lentils.
Major destination markets include India, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
The global supply of lentils (including Canadian) is increasing, placing a spotlight on the demand side as the main driver of pricing. Saskatchewan Pulse Growers +1
For importers, the context is
With strong production, there is potential for competitive pricing from Canada.
But price stability is challenged by global demand shifts, competitor origins (Australia, USA, and Russia), and trade/regulatory issues.
Thus, monitoring the keyword price of lentils in relation to Canadian origin helps anticipate sourcing windows and negotiation timing.
Let’s dive deeper into the numbers, looking at the trajectory of Canadian lentil prices, both export and farm-gate levels, and what these mean for importers.
According to a report by IndexBox, the average import price for lentils into Canada was flat compared to the previous year. IndexBox
The same report estimated average export prices of Canadian lentils at roughly US$ 847 per ton in 2024, almost unchanged compared to 2023. IndexBox
Another source shows that wholesale retail price ranges in Canada (for domestic retail) for lentils hovered between US$ 1.93 and US$ 2.90 per kg (approx. CAD 2.61-3.92/kg) in Canada. Selina Wamucii
A recent article reports that as of October 2025, Canadian lentil prices were under pressure.
Another news piece shows that the global export price for Canadian lentils dropped to around US$ 815 per ton, representing a ~25% drop year-on-year.
From the data above, we can infer:
The export price per ton has largely plateaued or declined modestly in recent years—despite production increases.
Farm-gate prices are low in Canada right now, reflecting abundant supply and soft demand in some export markets.
For importers, this means there may be favorable sourcing opportunities, but margin squeeze is a risk if freight, duties, or quality premiums apply.
Understanding the factors that move Canadian lentil prices—especially for importers—is critical. Let’s break down the major drivers.
Production volume & acreage:
Production in Canada has been increasing: for instance, one report put Canadian lentil production at ~2.97 million tonnes in 2025 versus ~2.43 million tonnes in 2024.
Improved yields (e.g., 1,700 kg/ha in 2025 vs. ~1,436 kg/ha in 2024) increase available supply.
Larger crops can lead to downward pressure on price if demand does not keep pace.
Quality & grading:
Quality affects price premiums. For example, better-graded lentils (Grade 1 or Grade 2 Canada) can fetch higher prices.
Importers should check grade, moisture, foreign matter, split rate, and origin traceability when negotiating pricing.
Export demand growth/markets:
Major importers like India are key for Canadian lentils. According to one outlook, India’s import of Canadian lentils (Jan–July 2025) was ~334,119 tonne (vs. ~195,650 tonne in the same period prior), showing demand recovery. However, if demand fails to grow or imports are diverted to other origins, prices can weaken.
Competitive origins:
Australia, the USA, Russia, and Kazakhstan are increasingly competitive in lentils—especially green lentils—putting pressure on Canadian price positioning.
Policy, trade flows, tariffs:
Trade restrictions or tariffs (for example, export bans elsewhere or import duties) can affect demand for Canadian lentils and thus pricing. One article mentions China’s 100% import duty on Canadian peas—while not direct lentils, it signals how policy can tilt the market.
Freight/transport: Since Canada exports lentils often via Vancouver or Montreal, freight costs (and container availability) can meaningfully influence landed cost and thus effective pricing for importers.
Currency fluctuations: A weaker CAD (Canadian dollar) can improve the competitiveness of Canadian lentils for foreign buyers; conversely, a strong CAD can hedge less favorably.
Agricultural input & harvest cost: Although lentils fix nitrogen and thus have lower fertilizer expenses, harvest, cleaning, sorting, and logistics still set a floor cost. In times of oversupply, that floor becomes more visible.
Forward commitments and inventories: If growers or exporters are holding large stocks (anticipating higher prices), the market may tighten. Conversely, if stocks are large and expectations of price increases are low, sellers may be more willing to negotiate.
Seasonal patterns: The timing of the crop, harvest quality, and weather events (drought, flooding) in the Prairies influence pricing via supply risk.
For importers sourcing Canadian lentils, tracking the keyword price of lentils is not just about the current number—it’s about strategy. Here are strategic considerations.
Buying early in the crop year: If you lock contracts early (e.g., pre-harvest) and Canadian production shows a strong yield, there is a risk that the price may drop by the time of shipment. Conversely, buying later may mean fewer supply options.
Waiting for quality confirmation: As the crop quality influences premium/discount, importers may monitor early quality reports. If quality is higher than expected, price may tighten (less discount).
Monitoring competitor origins: If Australia or Russia reports strong crops, you may have alternative sourcing—so Canadian prices may feel pressure, giving buyers leverage.
Grade differentiation: Make sure to specify grade (1 Canada, 2 Canada, etc.), moisture content (<14%), splits/discolored seeds, and bagged vs. bulk. Higher grade commands higher price.
Origin premiums: Canadian lentils often carry a reputation for traceability and quality—importers may be willing to pay a small premium for confirmed origin, especially in markets like India or the U.A.E.
Logistics & Incoterms: Make sure to build freight, insurance, and duties into landed cost. The FOB farm-gate numbers (e.g., CAD 0.24/lb) are only part of the cost.
Currency hedging: If contracts are denominated in USD but production/processing costs are in CAD, shifts in exchange rates affect margin.
Supply diversification: Given competitive pressure and origin risk (weather, policy), importers should monitor Australian and U.S. lentil sources as alternatives.
Quality audits & traceability: Since Canadian lentils have high export standards, use this to your advantage—less waste/defects means better margin.
Inventory management: If prices drop significantly, having flexible inventory can allow you to capitalize on lower costs. Conversely, if stocks are large and demand soft, you may face long holding costs.
Start from a benchmark: Use the recent FOB or export price as a starting point.
Factor in freight & duties: Add the cost of shipping to your destination, any import duties, and quality premiums.
Explore volume discounts: Higher tonnage may reduce per-ton landed cost.
Lock in quality & delivery schedule: Use contracts to secure quality and schedule to avoid spot market volatility.
Monitor monthly/quarterly reports: The price trend of lentils may shift—being proactive helps negotiate better.
Based on current data and market signals, here’s how we assess the outlook for Canadian lentils and what importers should anticipate.
Short-term (next 6–12 months)
Price will likely remain under pressure: Given the large 2025 crop (~2.97 million t) and abundant global supply, farm-gate prices in Canada are low and export prices soft.
Quality may become a distinguishing factor: with heavy supply, higher-grade Canadian lentils may hold up better than lower grades—importers should emphasize grade.
Freight and logistics may influence prices: Container shortages or freight cost hikes could shift landed cost even if raw price is low.
Medium-term
Demand growth will be pivotal: If key markets (India, Turkey, and the U.A.E.) increase import volumes, Canadian lentil prices may firm. For example, India’s increasing imports from Canada show upside potential.
Saskatchewan Pulse Growers +1
Competitor origin dynamics: Should Australia or Russia expand their lentil exports significantly, Canadian producers may see downward price pressure—importers should retain alternative sourcing.
Sustainability and traceability will add value: As buyers demand “clean, traceable, non-GMO, sustainable” pulses, Canadian origin might command a premium—importers should capitalize on that.
Risks to watch
Weather production shocks: A drought affecting the Canadian Prairie lentil crop would likely spike prices sharply.
Trade policy shifts: Tariffs, export restrictions, or currency changes could quickly alter cost dynamics.
Demand shocks: If major importers reduce purchase volumes (due to domestic production or substitution), surplus may depress prices further.
Summary and key takeaways for importers
To wrap up, here are the key takeaways importers should hold in mind when dealing with Canadian lentils and watching lentil price trends:
Canadian lentils are a major globally traded commodity; keeping tabs on the price of lentils of Canadian origin gives you a strategic sourcing advantage.
Supply is strong for 2025, which suggests price may stay soft unless demand steps up. Mundus Agri+1
Importers should emphasize grade, quality, traceability, and logistics to lock in value and mitigate risk.
Timing of purchases, alternative sourcing (Australia, USA, Russia), and forward contracts matter.
In the medium term, demand growth from major markets will be the key wildcard—if import volumes rise, Canadian lentil prices may firm; if not, pressure may persist.
From a negotiation standpoint: Use benchmark pricing, account for landed cost, build in quality premiums or discounts, and lock in delivery/quality terms.
When you consistently monitor the price of lentils in relation to their Canadian origin, you equip your sourcing strategy with actionable insight. Canada’s lentil sector offers strong potential—but importers who act smart about quality, timing, logistics, and market intelligence will capture the best value.
Especially in a year of high supply and stable/soft pricing, being an informed buyer (rather than reactive) makes the difference. Use the benchmarks and trends here as your guide, and ensure your procurement team has the right data to make timely decisions.