Pea sowing continues in Canada but business is slow
15-May-2025 04:36 PM
Saskatoon. As the May 31 deadline approaches, Canadian pea producers and exporters are increasingly anxious, as the duty-free import window for yellow peas in India is set to close by the end of this month.
The lack of clear direction from the Indian government has created uncertainty. If India reinstates the earlier import policy that was in effect before December 2023, Canadian exporters could face a significant setback.
India and China are the two largest markets for Canadian peas. However, the Chinese government has already imposed a 100 percent customs duty on Canadian peas, nearly halting exports to that country.
If India also imposes a high duty or adds restrictive conditions, Canada risks losing another major market, which would greatly impact its pea export industry.
Pea sowing has begun in Canada, with over 31 percent of the designated area already sown in Saskatchewan, the country’s leading pea-producing province.
Farmers are showing strong interest in continuing sowing. However, due to sluggish demand and slow export business, prices have remained stagnant.
Producers and exporters are closely watching developments in India, while the Canadian government is in talks with China to address trade issues.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to export yellow peas to India at competitive prices, making Canadian peas less attractive in comparison.
In western Canadian markets, the price of yellow peas remains steady at $10.75 per bushel, while advance contract prices for the upcoming crop range between $8.50 and $9.50 per bushel. Glyphosate-free yellow peas grown in southeastern Saskatchewan and Manitoba may still find export opportunities.
Green pea prices are stable at $16.50–17.00 per bushel, and the contract price for the next crop is around $12.50 per bushel. The market for Maple peas remains inactive.
Pea sowing in Canada is expected to continue through June, with new crop arrivals beginning in August–September.
By then, the import policies of India and China are expected to become clearer. Russia is also expected to maintain its aggressive export strategy during this time.