There are expectations of a surge in demand for desi chana from Bangladesh and Pakistan, especially with the upcoming Ramadan season. Alongside this, India's desi chana exports are likely to continue, and there are strong possibilities of a significant demand for Australian chana. Currently, the price of Australian chana for December shipments is around $675 per metric ton. With demand growing from multiple countries, Australian exporters may increase prices in the future.

In Australia, the chickpea harvest is currently 50% complete, and the crop is expected to be strong this year. For the ongoing season, Pakistan initially expected to import around 450,000 tons of chickpeas. However, from January to August 2024, Australia exported only 30,000 tons to Pakistan, with an additional 3,000 tons from other countries. According to sources, India has already signed forward contracts for about 200,000 tons of chickpeas, with the import deadline (BL date) set for March 31, 2025.

The trading of Australian chickpeas with Pakistan has already seen six vessels dispatched, with 19,000 tons of chickpeas arriving at the port on October 31. From November to January, approximately 135,000 tons of chickpeas are expected to be traded to Pakistan. Both India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are eagerly awaiting the new crop.

Australia is expected to produce around 1.6 million tons of chickpeas this year, with India set to import between 800,000 to 1 million tons, Pakistan expecting 200,000 tons, and Bangladesh likely to receive 300,000 tons. The Ramadan period for 2025 is expected to be from February 28 to March 29, and countries may look to import large quantities of chickpeas by the first and second weeks of February. India’s imports are also constrained by the BL date of March 31, 2025.

According to I-Grain India, there is hope that the downward trend in Australian chickpea prices could stabilize. Due to bumper production, imports of desi chickpeas from other countries may weaken, making the market heavily dependent on Australian prices. The final quarter of the year is expected to see a significant increase in Australian chickpea trade, with prices possibly rising as demand continues to increase.