Australia’s Gram Exports Plunge 48% in February Amid Weak Indian Demand

10-Apr-2025 03:22 PM

Brisbane: Australia’s gram (chickpea) exports fell sharply by 48% in February 2025, dropping to around 2.99 lakh tonnes, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

This marks a significant decline from 5.77 lakh tonnes in January. The drop was primarily driven by weakened demand from India, the largest buyer.

India’s gram imports from Australia declined from 5,28,238 tonnes in December 2024 to 4,57,483 tonnes in January 2025, and further to 2,35,264 tonnes in February.

Despite this slowdown, India’s total gram imports from Australia during December to February surged to a record 12.14 lakh tonnes, supported by duty-free import policies that were in effect until March 31, 2025. A new 11% import duty has since been imposed on Desi gram.

ABS data shows Australia exported 15.94 lakh tonnes of gram in total during the December–February quarter, with 7.19 lakh tonnes in December and 5.76 lakh tonnes in January. Australia's 2024–25 gram production hit an all-time high of over 22 lakh tonnes.

During this period, Australia also exported 2.02 lakh tonnes to Bangladesh, 1.36 lakh tonnes to Pakistan, and 18,000 tonnes to the UAE.

Smaller shipments were made to countries including Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US.

While exportable stocks remain strong, demand has cooled in key markets. India is witnessing a strong arrival of its new gram crop, and Ramzan has ended in several Muslim-majority nations, traditionally high-demand periods, further weakening import interest.