Despite a strengthening currency, pulse sales in Australia are slowing

12-Feb-2026 11:51 AM

Melbourne. Despite the strengthening of the local currency, the Australian dollar (AUD), producers of important pulses like chickpeas and lentils are showing less interest in selling their stocks. Decreased supply and strong demand in the market are driving prices higher.

According to trade analysts, a strong pulse arrival in November led to a significant increase in chickpea and lentil exports in December 2025. Pulse trading activity remained strong in December-January, with many producers selling most of their stocks. Now, the pace of selling has slowed, leading to a revival of the market.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows that in December 2025, compared to November, chickpea exports from Australia increased by 57 percent from 37.4 million tons to 58.8 million tons, and lentil shipments more than doubled from 18.4 million tons to 41.1 million tons. Previously, in October 2025, only 98,000 tons of chickpeas and 45,000 tons of lentils were exported from Australia.

Currently, the Brisbane delivery price of Desi chickpea is reported to be $630 per tonne. At least four vessels are scheduled to load cargo at Queensland ports in February, for which contracts have already been signed, but the reduced supply has exacerbated the difficulties for exporters.

Chickpea prices are approximately $5 per tonne higher than in mid-January. It appears that buyers are colluding to break the price pressure. Exporters need stock of up to 35 thousand tonnes of gram and they are trying their best to acquire it.