★ Pulse sales from Australia have slowed significantly in recent days amid market concerns that the Indian government may increase import duties on chickpeas and lentils.

★ Chickpeas delivered to Brisbane are trading around USD 640 per tonne, slightly higher than six weeks ago. In India, chickpea prices have fallen below the Minimum Support Price, increasing expectations that the current 10% import duty may be raised to 30%. Because of this uncertainty, Australian farmers are holding back sales, while early buying from Bangladesh and Pakistan has also slowed.

★ Lentil harvesting is progressing slowly, which has brought slight support to the market. Lentils are trading near USD 640 per tonne, still well below last year’s USD 880–900 per tonne. Only about 10% of the new crop is being sold so far. Speculation continues that India may raise its lentil import duty from 10% to 20–30%.

With large crops in both Australia and Canada, and the possibility of policy changes in India, international buyers are limiting purchases and operating on a “hand-to-mouth” basis. Overall, the fear of a potential tariff hike by India has kept the Australian pulse market cautious and slow-moving.