First Aus lentil cargo to India under quota arrives

The first cargo of Australian lentils into India subject to a half tariff, and under quota, has been discharged in the north-west port of Mundra. Shipped by major South Australian bulk handler Viterra, the 21,000-tonne cargo loaded at Port Lincoln on SA’s Eyre Peninsula and was unloaded late last month. The reduced tariff, and the quota, have come under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. For Australia, it replaces a tariff-free period for lentils which started in 2021, and ended on March 31. During the first five months of its shipping year which started October 1, Australia shipped roughly 275,000t of lentils to India. Valued at A$21 million, the 21,000t Viterra cargo is expected to be the only bulk one to India in March. “Thanks to the Australian and Indian Governments’ agreement, growers can continue to access this premium market,” Viterra chief executive officer ANZ Philip Hughes said. “South Australian lentils are in demand due to their high ...