Record High Indian Pulse Imports

PANAMA - Mar 30/16 - SNS -- India's pulse imports soared past 5.37 million metric tons (MT) in 2015 because of record purchases of field peas, chickpeas, and lentils.

At the same time, exports posted a modest decline, resulting in net imports of almost 5.16 million MT, up 21% from the previous calendar year, according to data published in the platinum version of STAT.

Field peas are the most important pulse imported by India, reflecting the fact it is generally the least expensive pulse available on world markets. Peas accounted for 40% of all pulse imports in 2015, wile lentils filled 22% of market demand, chickpeas 13% and mung beans 11%.

Canada continued to dominate field pea and lentil imports in 2015, garnering a 67% share of the pea market and 91% of the lentils, compared to 80% and 75% respectively in 2014.

Russia was the second most important supplier of field peas last year, supplying 11% of the market, compared to just 4% the previous year. In lentils, the United States was the second most important supplier with a 7% market share, down from 15% in 2014.

Australia remained the dominant supplier of chickpeas to India in 2015, earning a 57% share of the market, up from 48% the previous year.

Russia saw a major expansion in the volume of chickpeas shipped to India, but its market share dropped from 33% to 29%.

However, Russia supplies small caliber kabuli types, versus desi from Australia. It remains to be seen whether Russia's chickpeas are not merely replacing desi chickpeas. If a separate market is developing, it would not be surprising to see its market share climb as India's domestic desi chickpea output returns to more normal levels.