Australia sets new record for chickpea exports in 2024/25

Australia exported 2.1 million tons of chickpeas in the 2024/25 season, marking a new all-time record, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). This figure surpasses the previous record of 2 million tons set in 2016/17 and is more than double the 789,000 tons shipped in the 2023/24 season. Lentil exports for the same period totaled 1.05 million tons.

In contrast, lentil exports fell from a record 1.75 million tons in 2023/24 to 1.05 million tons in 2024/25. The decline was attributed to drought conditions that reduced yields in South Australia, the nation’s primary lentil-producing state.

India remained by far the largest buyer of Australian chickpeas, importing 1.41 million tons. Most shipments occurred within the first six months of the season, before India’s tariff-free import window closed in March. Other key markets included Pakistan (323,000 tons) and Bangladesh (242,000 tons).

Lentil exports were also dominated by India (375,000 tons) and Bangladesh (372,000 tons), with Sri Lanka ranking third at 151,000 tons.

Analysts note that the record chickpea exports highlight strong demand recovery from South Asia after several years of subdued trade. Meanwhile, the drop in lentil shipments is expected to be temporary, with volumes likely to rebound in the next season if weather conditions improve.

Tags: pulses, lentil, Australia, chickpea