Canada’s Lentil Exports Seen Reaching 2.1 Million Tonnes

19-Mar-2026 01:55 PM

Vancouver: Canada’s lentil exports are projected to reach 2.1 million tonnes in the current 2025–26 marketing season (August–July). India, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continue to be the three major importers of Canadian lentils.

During the first five months of the ongoing season (August to December), Canada exported about 1.03 million tonnes of lentils, which is 6% lower compared to shipments during the same period of the 2024–25 season.

Due to large production and steady trade activity, Canada is expected to carry record-high surplus stocks of lentils. This is likely to keep downward pressure on prices going forward. The average price of Canadian lentils during the current season is estimated to decline to around $510 per tonne.

As a result, farmers may not receive attractive returns, which could lead to a reduction in lentil sowing area in the 2026–27 season. The planted area is expected to fall to around 1.67 million hectares. At the same time, average yields are also likely to remain weak, bringing total production down to approximately 2.35 million tonnes.

Despite lower production, total lentil supply is projected to rise by about 3% to 4.12 million tonnes due to large carryover stocks. In the 2026–27 season, exports may increase slightly to 2.2 million tonnes, which could help reduce surplus stocks to some extent.