India and Turkey sharply increase purchases of Canadian lentils

Canada’s export revenue from lentil shipments increased by 18.1% in January–September 2026, reaching $970.3 mln compared with $821.8 mln in the same period last year. The strongest growth in purchases came from India and Turkey, which significantly increased their imports of Canadian lentils. Meanwhile, prices in Canada’s domestic market remain relatively stable, while market participants expect stronger competition due to prospects for a large Australian lentil harvest.

India remains the largest buyer of Canadian lentils, increasing the value of its imports by 127.2% in the first nine months of 2026 to $367.6 mln, compared with $161.8 mln a year earlier. Turkey recorded even stronger growth, with the value of its purchases rising by 216.7%, or more than threefold, to $133.1 mln. Together, these two countries accounted for more than half of Canada’s total lentil export revenue.

Meanwhile, demand from other traditional importers weakened considerably. The value of Canadian lentil shipments to the United Arab Emirates declined by 40.1% to $74.7 mln, while exports to Colombia fell by 33.2% to $42.1 mln. Export revenue from sales to the United States decreased by 12.2% to $39.9 mln. These figures indicate a shift in the structure of international demand, with increased purchases by the largest buyers offsetting declining sales to other destinations.

The Canadian lentil market has shown no significant price changes in early November. According to Rayglen Commodities, prices remain stable across most varieties, although buying activity varies by product type. In particular, inquiries for large green lentils are already being made for delivery in 2027. Meanwhile, demand for red lentils has weakened as importers anticipate increased supplies on the global market.

The main risk for Canadian exporters remains the expected large lentil harvest in Australia, which could intensify competition and put downward pressure on prices during the current marketing year. Buyers are already factoring the prospect of additional Australian supplies into their purchasing plans. Under these conditions, future developments in the Canadian market will depend on Australia’s actual harvest results, demand from India and Turkey, and purchasing activity among international importers.

Tags: Turkey, Canada, India, lentil