Australian Competition Looms for Canadian Lentil Exporters

18-Jul-2025 07:33 PM

Brisbane. The global lentil trade is currently experiencing a slowdown due to weak demand from Indian importers and limited spot stock availability in supplier countries.

Australian lentil exports, especially those in containers, have slowed as traditional buyers anticipate new crop arrivals from major producers in the Northern Hemisphere—particularly Canada, Russia, and the United States. This cautious approach is driven by the belief that prices may improve in the near future.

Lentil harvesting in Canada is expected between August and September, followed by Australia’s harvest in October and November. Many importers expect lentil prices to soften in the coming months.

In Australia, some price fluctuations are already being observed. The Nipper variety of lentils for delivery to Disawari Packers is priced around A$770 per tonne, while Jumbo lentils for export to Sri Lanka are quoted at A$820 per tonne.

Record lentil sowing has taken place this season in South Australia. If weather and rainfall conditions remain favorable and there are no major pest or disease outbreaks, production is expected to reach a high level.

Consistent rainfall has eased drought concerns, and farmers in the Pork and Eyre Peninsula regions are already entering into forward contracts to sell their upcoming crop at A$740–750 per tonne.

This year’s higher lentil production in Australia is expected to boost exportable stocks and may put downward pressure on global prices. This could create strong competition for Canadian exporters in key markets like India.

Although India imposes a 10 percent import duty on lentils, a preferential rate of 5 percent will apply to imports of up to 1.5 lakh tonnes from Australia, further boosting Australia’s competitive edge.