Prices expected to drop substantially
For the 2024-25 crop year, Canadian chickpea supply is forecast to be sharply higher than the previous year, thanks to increased production.
However, exports are expected to decrease modestly to 165,000 tonnes (Kt), largely due to reduced demand from major markets like the U.S. and Turkey. These two countries are among Canada’s largest markets for chickpeas. As export demand fails to keep pace with supply, carry-out stocks are projected to rise significantly.
The average price for chickpeas in Canada is forecast to fall substantially to $765 per tonne (t), reflecting larger global supply and weaker demand from key markets. This is a sharp drop from the previous year's price levels.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 crop year, the area seeded to chickpeas is expected to decrease marginally, mainly due to lower projected returns compared to other crops. Saskatchewan is expected to dominate the chickpea planting area, with the remainder seeded in Alberta.
Production is forecast to fall by 8%, reaching 265 Kt, assuming a return to average yields, which are lower than the previous year’s strong performance. Total supply is forecast to increase by 16% compared to 2024-25, largely due to higher carry-in stocks.
Exports are expected to rise slightly from the previous year, though they remain lower than historical levels. Carry-out stocks are projected to increase significantly. The average price for chickpeas is expected to drop to $750 per tonne for 2025-26.
In the U.S., the USDA forecasts chickpea area for 2025-26 to increase by 12%, reaching 0.56 million acres (0.23 million hectares), largely driven by expansion in Montana.
This report provides an update to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) April outlook for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 crop years, which run from August 1 to July 31 for chickpeas. AAFC notes that the projections are based on market conditions and trade policies in effect as of May 13, 2025.
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