Australia's lentil export industry has had a significant season in 2023-24, although the total shipment of 14.83 lakh tonnes (1,483,447 tonnes) marked a decline of around 15% compared to the previous season's record export of 17.45 lakh tonnes. This downturn likely reflects various factors such as weather conditions, market fluctuations, or possibly shifts in demand from major importing countries.

India remains Australia's largest market for lentils, importing nearly 7 lakh tonnes (698,743 tonnes) during this period, which accounted for almost 49% of Australia's total lentil exports. The breakdown of India’s quarterly imports is also revealing: 3.06 lakh tonnes during October-December 2023, followed by around 1.39 lakh tonnes in January-March 2024, 1.36 lakh tonnes in April-June 2024, and smaller volumes in the second half of the year.

Other countries that imported Australian lentils in significant quantities include:

• Bangladesh: 3.35 lakh tonnes
• Egypt: 78,000 tonnes
• Nepal: 44,000 tonnes
• Pakistan: 97,000 tonnes
• Sri Lanka: 1.50 lakh tonnes
• Turkey: 28,000 tonnes
• UAE: 39,545 tonnes

These diverse export destinations underscore the importance of Australian lentils in global markets, especially in South Asia and the Middle East, where they are a staple food.

The export data also highlights that the majority of Australian lentils are red lentils, a variety that is especially popular in India and surrounding regions. The volume of exports fluctuated across different quarters, with a notable drop in the later months of the season, suggesting possible changes in market dynamics or supply chain issues.

Overall, Australia's lentil export performance in 2023-24 reflects both the strength of its major markets, especially India, and the challenges it faces in maintaining export levels.