India has emerged as the largest buyer of Canadian lentils and peas in the first quarter of the 2024-2025 marketing season (August-October), despite earlier concerns about the impact of diplomatic tensions on pulse trade between the two countries.

According to a report by the Canadian government agency Stats Can, Canada's export of pulses during this period was significantly higher compared to the previous year.

In terms of peas, Canada exported 437,629 tonnes in October, which was 28% less than the amount shipped in September. However, the total export for the August-October period increased by 26%, reaching 1.066 million tonnes, with India being the biggest importer.

India imported 594,514 tonnes of yellow peas, a sharp rise from last year when there were negligible imports of Canadian peas. The duty-free import of yellow peas into India is set to expire on December 31, 2024, prompting Indian importers to increase their purchases.

Similarly, Canadian lentil exports rose by 17% during the first quarter, totaling 564,834 tonnes, with India accounting for 38% of the shipments in October alone. Other countries such as Turkey and the UAE also imported lentils from Canada.

However, Canadian exports of Kabuli chana (chickpeas) showed a decline. In October, Canada exported 12,516 tonnes, a 1% increase compared to September.

But the total export for the first quarter dropped to 32,740 tonnes, significantly lower than the 47,997 tonnes exported during the same period last year. The demand for Canadian Kabuli chana has weakened in several key markets, including the US.

Indian importers are rushing to secure pulses, particularly yellow peas, from Canada and other countries like Russia before the duty-free import deadlines expire—December 31 for peas and March 31, 2025, for lentils. The uncertainty over whether these exemptions will be extended has created a sense of urgency in the market.