Canada has regained its position as the top supplier of yellow peas to India, with exports surging to 619,067 tonnes in September 2024, up from just 16,524 tonnes in August. India now accounts for over half of Canada’s total pea exports, driven by a temporary tariff reduction. Yellow peas make up 92% of Canada’s total pea exports for the first two months of the 2024/25 marketing year.

However, this tariff exemption is set to expire on December 31, 2024, raising concerns about the future of Canadian yellow pea exports to India. The tariff reduction has boosted demand, but with the exemption ending, Indian traders may turn to other suppliers or face higher prices.

Canadian peas are also considered as substitute for chickpeas in the Indian market. Chickpea 2023-24 production significantly down, making Canadian peas a critical substitute.

India’s pulse production for the 2024 kharif season is expected to be around 7 million tonnes, similar to previous year, but down by one million tonnes from last five-year average.

As the tariff deadline approaches, both markets will closely monitor the situation to determine the impact on trade and India’s reliance on Canadian yellow peas.

(Source – India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare & Statistics Canada)