Pulse Canada today welcomed the signing of the Canada-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), finalizing a deal that will strengthen access for Canadian pulses.
“The UAE is already an important customer for Canadian pulse crops, and this agreement gives our industry the confidence to keep building on that relationship,” said Pulse Canada Chair Shane Strydhorst. “Tariff-free access for our major pulse crops means Canadian growers and exporters will be on a level playing field as they leverage Canada's strengths in quality, reliability, and supply to grow our presence in the market.”
In 2025, Canada shipped $268.6 million worth of pulses to the UAE, over 300,000 tonnes. Lentils led the way at $225.7 million, followed by peas, chickpeas and kidney beans. Under the agreement, the UAE's 5% tariff on lentils, peas, chickpeas, faba beans and kidney beans will be eliminated as soon as the agreement is implemented. Tariffs on other beans and other dried pulses will be phased out.
"The UAE is a critical market for the Canadian pulse industry, and we’re pleased this deal has been secured,” said Pulse Canada President Greg Cherewyk. “Our focus now is making sure this agreement translates into real opportunities throughout the pulse value chain.”
Pulse Canada encourages Members of Parliament to move quickly to ratify the Canada-UAE CEPA so Canadian pulse exporters can begin realizing the benefits as soon as possible.
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