Australian Lentil Export Pace Slows Due to Depleting Stocks

21-Apr-2026 01:16 PM

Melbourne. The pace of bulk lentil exports from Australia has slowed down, signaling that the exportable surplus stock in the state of South Australia has been nearly exhausted, and traders and exporters in the state of Victoria also have only limited stocks remaining. Due to price stability, producers are showing no haste in selling off their stocks. Australia has already exported a substantial volume of lentils.

However, containerized lentil shipments are still ongoing, with supplies being dispatched to various countries, including Pakistan. The export offer price for the 'Nipper' variety of lentils is reported to be in the range of $630–$660 per tonne, while the price for the 'Jumbo' category is quoted at $720–$750 per tonne. According to trade analysts, the price for large-grained lentils is currently trading at a significant premium—approximately $90 per tonne—compared to their small-grained counterparts.

In the near future, one bulk lentil cargo and one or two combined cargoes are expected to be shipped. This suggests that the overall pace of exports has indeed decelerated. Lentil sowing in Australia is set to commence shortly, and the outlook for the upcoming crop appears promising.

The 2025–26 season also witnessed an excellent lentil harvest in the country. Recent rainfall in the states of South Australia and Victoria has led to increased weed growth in the fields; consequently, farmers are currently spraying herbicides to clear them. Given the adequate moisture levels present in the soil, the sowing of lentils is not expected to face any impediments.