Lentil Prices in Australia Soften Amid Weak Global Demand

25-May-2026 08:22 PM

Melbourne. Due to ample domestic stocks, weak global demand, and stiff competition from Canada, lentil prices in Australia remain steady to soft. The price of the small 'Nipper' variety of lentils has dropped by approximately $30 per tonne compared to last month.

Although some trading is taking place driven by short covering, this has not resulted in any significant positive impact on prices. The highest port delivery price reached nearly $670 per tonne at the beginning of the current month but has since softened.

According to trade analysts, selling lentils in international markets is proving to be extremely difficult. Canada witnessed a bumper lentil harvest during the 2025-26 season and is aggressively seeking to sell its produce in the global market; Australia is currently facing intense competition from this quarter.

It appears that Canada is poised for another strong lentil harvest during the 2026-27 season, with fresh supplies expected to begin arriving in the market starting August 2026. According to another market observer, the lentil market currently remains largely stable.

Trade analysts note that only marginal fluctuations are being observed in the trading volume and pricing of lentils for June shipments. Some exporters remain hopeful that lentil growers may show slightly increased activity in offloading their existing stocks. Growers in the state of Victoria, however, are exercising considerable caution.

Prices for the large 'Jumbo' variety of lentils continue to trade at a premium—approximately $50 per tonne higher than the small 'Nipper' variety—though one analyst points out that the price spread between the two has narrowed as demand from Sri Lanka has weakened due to improved domestic stock levels. The ongoing crisis in the Gulf region is also having an adverse impact on lentil export performance.