India has opened the import of peas from Russia - The pea harvest in our country is higher than in Canada

From December 8, 2023 to March 31, 2024, India temporarily lifted all restrictions on the import of peas. India imposed a 50% tariff on peas for the first time in November 2017, followed by other restrictions in early 2018. Import volumes were limited to 150,000 tons per year, and the minimum import price was 200 rupees per kilogram, or approximately $240 per ton. Import of peas was allowed only through the port of Calcutta.

Pulse Canada expects the lifting of restrictions will lead to a resumption of trade with India, previously the largest market for Canadian peas. Sales peaked in 2011 at 1.59 million tonnes, but began declining in 2018 and have virtually stopped in recent years. Shipping peas from Canada to India takes 60 to 65 days. Although the window of opportunity is narrow, Canadian exporters can make deliveries until March 31, 2024.

The main challenge for all pea exporters is the short period of time for which India has lifted restrictions and the uncertainty about further measures. In such conditions, it is difficult to estimate what volume can be supplied to the country.

For Russian exporters, the situation may be complicated by the lack of desire of the Indian side to pay for supplies in convertible currency.