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Lentils and peas: Canadian market under pressure

October 1, 2025 at 9:32 AM , Der AUDITOR
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OTTAWA. Larger crops and trade restrictions with China are putting pressure on the Canadian market for pulses and are dampening prices. Buyers are currently trying to get an overview of the situation.

Prices low but stable

According to Statistics Canada, the harvested acreage for lentils in Canada this year is larger than last year at 1.748 million hectares (2024: 1.693 million hectares). Yields are also higher at 1,700 kg/ha than last year, when they stood at 1,436 kg/ha. This increases total production from 2.431 million mt in 2024 to 2.972 million mt.

Experts at Rayglen Commodities also report a larger crop, which is keeping prices low but relatively stable; in recent years, there have been frequent fluctuations. According to Rayglen, large green lentils are currently trading at CAD 0.27/lb FOB farm, a price level that does not exactly encourage growers to sell. Purchases are therefore currently rather sporadic. The market for small green lentils is also quiet, with mainly existing contracts being processed. Prices here are around CAD 0.21/lb. Red lentils currently cost CAD 0.24/lb FOB farm, and buyers are also holding back for the time being. Market experts predict the market to remain stable for the time being, as buyers want to get an overview of the quantity and quality on offer.

China's tariffs at 100%

The harvested pea area in Canada was significantly larger this year at 1.384 million hectares than in 2024, when it was only 1.280 million hectares. With yields also higher at 2,573 kg/ha, this results in an estimated total production of 3,563 million mt, despite the delayed harvest due to heavy rainfall.

Rayglen reports that the crop will be larger this year not only in Canada, but also in the USA and Russia. As Chinese import duties on Canadian peas remain at 100%, market experts reckon that the Canadian market will remain under pressure for the time being; however, there are reports of positive talks with China. It remains to be seen what the outcome of these talks will be. Russia is likely to meet a large part of Chinese demand, and Canadian prices remain at a relatively low level. According to Rayglen, they are CAD 6.40-6.75/bu for yellow peas, while green peas are trading at CAD 9.50-10.00/bu. The level is relatively stable, but price increases seem unlikely for the time being.

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