Pulses Market Report 23.05.24

Kabuli Chickpeas

The chickpea market remains stable, with Mexican and Indian crops of large chickpeas providing some relief. However, prices have stayed relatively high, indicating strong demand. The increased freight costs for shipments from India have reduced the appeal of Indian chickpeas, contributing to market stability. For medium and small chickpeas, European buyers are now primarily sourcing from Canada, as they steer clear of Russian chickpeas. Despite these shifts, there is no shortage of supply.

France

We've just concluded a harvest of approximately 17 to 18 KT, which faced quality issues including numerous stained kernels and a high cracking rate. For 2024, the weather has been consistently rainy since late 2023. This has prevented some farmers from sowing a spring crop, leading them to let their fields go to grass to avoid the costs associated with low yields. For those who have managed to sow, chickpeas are taking up too much water and have very little stress which results in shallow roots. Additionally, accessing the fields to treat the crops has been challenging, and the climate is fostering disease. What will happen if the weather changes suddenly? We are already concerned about the quality of the upcoming crop. As for quantity, it's still too early to predict.

USA/Canada

The market for the 2023 crop remains stable. For the 2024 crop, high prices over the past two seasons have motivated North American growers, leading to an anticipated acreage increase of 15% in Canada and 14% in the United States. While crop development needs to be closely monitored, these positive sowing intentions have brought some relief to the market. So far, the weather in Canada has been favourable for chickpeas. Nevertheless, various uncertainties persist, contributing to market stability.

India

India is reported to have had a good crop in 2024, of about 12 million tons according to government statistics. But last year's experience has created scepticism, and contradictory indications from India are raising questions: why has India removed its barriers to the import of Australian chickpeas? Would there be problems?

India reportedly had a successful 2024 crop, yielding about 12 million tons according to government statistics. However, last year's experience has led to scepticism. Contradictory signals from India are raising questions, such as why India has removed its barriers to importing Australian chickpeas. Could there be underlying issues?

Lentils

The lentil market for the current crop remains robust, with prices maintaining historically high levels despite some recent minor improvements. As expected, Canada has increased plantings, particularly for Green lentils, due to favourable market conditions.

In France, production is estimated at around 16,000 tons. According to the latest figures from Terres Univia, lentil acreage has been steadily declining since 2019. With this being the fourth consecutive poor harvest (due to yield problems, bruchids etc), the sector's survival is in question, especially when compared to Canadian production under ideal conditions. Speaking of Canada, carryover inventories are expected to be nearly depleted as we approach the new harvest, driven by substantial demand from India for the 2023 crop. Meanwhile, Spain is experiencing good weather, and farmers who planted blond lentils are receiving attractive market prices.

Beans

The 2023 bean crop faced significant challenges, primarily due to droughts in Argentina and Mexico. Mexico had to absorb large quantities from North America to compensate for its poor 2023 crop. Prices are currently very high and stable, and it appears that similar conditions will lead to similar outcomes next season. Buyers should be prepared for high prices again, as there are few objective reasons for the market to ease.

France

France had a strong crop in 2023, with above-average yields. Estimating sowing intentions for the coming year is challenging, but the potential for strict water quotas, rising costs, and production constraints are prompting farmers to shift away from this crop. Currently, the rainy weather from Brittany to Burgundy is beneficial for the crops. However, farmers struggling to find markets for their organic products are demanding better prices for conventional crops, independent of import prices.

Argentina

The Argentine crop in 2023 was quite small, totalling around 120,000 tons, and has been completely sold. High-quality grades intended for Europe are now nearly impossible to find. The 2024 harvest is expected to be foor for Alubias, with an estimated yield of 100,000 tons, leaving the market empty. Similarly, the production of Dark Red Kidney Beans is projected to remain at last year's level of 30,000 tons. Despite high prices, no one is currently offering anything on the market, making the situation very challenging.

via Ciacam