Despite Increased Exports, Canada Likely to See Higher Lentil Stockpiles

09-Feb-2026 12:40 PM

Vancouver. Although Canadian lentil exports are projected to increase by 24 percent to 2.25 million tonnes during the current 2024-25 marketing season (August-July) compared to 2023-24, the country is still likely to have a significant surplus of this important pulse crop.

A substantial increase in lentil production in the 2024-25 season, coupled with existing carryover stocks, has led to a significant increase in the availability of lentils. Export growth is not keeping pace with this increased availability.

According to a leading analyst, green lentil production in Canada increased sharply during 2024, attributed to exceptionally high yields.

These yields reportedly reached as high as 60 bushels per acre in some areas. As a result, green lentil production more than doubled in 2024 compared to 2023.

However, this was not the case for red lentils, whose production remained relatively stable around 2023 levels. Overall, strong production and increased competition from suppliers like Australia, Russia, and Kazakhstan in the global export market have kept pressure on Canadian lentil prices.

According to the analyst, Australia is reporting a record lentil crop of between 1.7 and 1.9 million tonnes, primarily red lentils. However, red lentil prices there have risen significantly in recent weeks, after being quite low in October.

Lentil prices in Adelaide, Australia, are currently about US$100 per tonne higher than those in Saskatchewan, Canada, equivalent to about 6 cents per pound.

This could help Canadian exporters maintain their activity in the global market. Red lentil prices in Canada are expected to improve somewhat in the future. However, an increase of up to 6 cents per pound is doubtful.