Australia's Chickpea and Lentil Exports Show Strong Momentum by Amit Gupta, Kedia Advisory
Australia exported 58,188 tonnes of chickpeas and 34,363 tonnes of lentils in June 2026, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Cumulative exports from October 2025 to June 2026 reached 1.56 million tonnes (Mt) for chickpeas and 1.32 Mt for lentils. Chickpea shipments were led by Pakistan, India and Bangladesh in June, while India remained the largest destination for Australian lentils. Strong chickpea shipments are expected to continue through July and August ahead of new-crop availability from Central Queensland. In contrast, lentil exports are expected to slow before the new crop arrives from December amid strong Canadian competition.
Key Highlights
• Australia exported 58,188 tonnes of chickpeas and 34,363 tonnes of lentils in June 2026.
• Chickpea exports reached 1.56 Mt during October-June, while lentil shipments totalled 1.32 Mt.
• Pakistan led June chickpea imports at 27,620 tonnes, followed by India at 13,558 tonnes.
• India was the largest lentil buyer in June with imports of 23,067 tonnes.
• Chickpea exports are expected to remain firm, while lentil shipments may slow amid Canadian competition.
Australian chickpea and lentil export data is providing an important demand signal for pulse markets, with substantial shipments recorded through June. Strong export movement, particularly for chickpeas, could lend underlying support to prices by indicating healthy overseas demand. However, the outlook differs between the two pulses, as upcoming Australian supplies and competition from Canada could influence price direction in the coming months.
According to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data, Australia exported 58,188 tonnes of chickpeas and 34,363 tonnes of lentils in June 2026. Cumulative chickpea exports from October 2025 to June 2026 reached 1.56 million tonnes, while lentil exports stood at 1.32 million tonnes. Chickpea shipments were concentrated among major Asian buyers, with Pakistan accounting for 27,620 tonnes, followed by India at 13,558 tonnes and Bangladesh at 12,834 tonnes in June.
For lentils, India was the largest destination, importing 23,067 tonnes during June, followed by Sri Lanka at 6,044 tonnes and Nepal at 4,480 tonnes. India's position as the largest June buyer highlights continued demand from the Indian market, which remains an important destination for Australian pulses.
The near-term export outlook for chickpeas appears stronger, with Lachstock Consulting's vessel line-up indicating increased bulk shipments in July and August ahead of the arrival of new-crop supplies from Central Queensland. Lentil exports, however, are expected to slow ahead of the new crop becoming available from December. Australian new-crop lentils are facing stiff competition from a large Canadian crop, potentially limiting Australia's early 2026-27 export pace.
Strong chickpea exports support demand, while Canadian competition and delayed new-crop availability could pressure Australian lentil exports and limit near-term upside in prices.
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