Export stock of Kabuli chana from Canada expected to increase due to better availability

22-Nov-2024 08:23 PM

The stock of Kabuli chana (chickpeas) in Canada is expected to increase in the 2024-25 marketing season due to better availability, though there are some uncertainties surrounding production estimates.

The Canadian government's statistical agency, StatsCan, has estimated higher production figures, but there is doubt about whether these numbers will reflect the actual outcome.

Despite this, the total availability of Kabuli chana in Canada may reach the highest levels seen in recent years, which could provide an opportunity to boost exports.

However, there are challenges to expanding exports. The United States, traditionally Canada's largest buyer of Kabuli chana, has increased its own production this year.

As a result, imports from Canada into the U.S. may decrease, leaving Canadian exporters searching for new markets. In particular, exporters are looking to South Asia, which includes key markets like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

Currently, the pace of Kabuli chana exports from Canada is slow, and if the target of 200,000 tonnes for the 2024-25 marketing season is to be met, export shipments will need to accelerate.

Domestic prices for Kabuli chana in Canada have been relatively soft since mid-September, but strong export demand has not materialized yet.

Consequently, Canada’s Kabuli chana exporters are focusing on diversifying markets and ramping up shipments to reach their export goals.