Little Change in World Pulse Supply

VANCOUVER - May 4/12 - SNS -- The world should see a modest improvement in the quantity of pulses available for use in the coming marketing year as production gains in North America are partly offset by potential declines in western Europe.

This could see combined output of dry edible beans, chickpeas, lentils, and field peas rise almost 1.4 million metric tons (MT) to 25.83 million during the 2012-13 marketing year.

However, because this summer's ending stocks are expected to be much lower than last year, available supplies of pulses may only increase 200,000 MT to around 27.83 million in the coming season.

At the moment, it looks like most of the increase in the world pulse supply is on account of rising dry edible bean and field pea output; while supplies of chickpeas and lentils could be down from the current marketing year.

Rising production is always viewed as a bearish opportunity by end users. But, available supplies of the four major categories of pulses used for human consumption could be down almost 1.1 million MT from their recent average. This idea is already expressing itself in markets, with prices remaining relatively strong.