STAT Communications Ag Market News

Chickpea Competition Rising

VANCOUVER - Dec 6/08 - SNS -- International chickpea markets were little changed in light trade during the past week, though it seems likely the competitive environment will be tougher during the first quarter of 2009 than was the case last year.

North America does not have as many chickpeas as originally hoped. Statistics Canada slashed its Canadian production estimate from 129,000 metric tons (MT) in its September crop report to 81,000 in its final estimate. This reflected a downward revision in seeded area and lower yields.

Based on the earlier numbers, markets were surprised by the unwillingness of Canadian growers to sell chickpeas. Their attitude is now easier to understand, as the available supply of chickpeas in Canada drops from 226,000 to 178,000 MT, including 92,000 MT of beans carried over from last season.

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