Pulse prices soaring as India reopens to chickpeas

Local pulse traders are reporting brisk business for remaining old crop pulses and solid inquiry for the upcoming new crop, with India's decision to drop tariffs on Australian chickpeas turbo-charging demand and pricing. Will Alexander, pulse trader with Australian Grain Export, said old crop chickpea prices had bounced to in excess of $1200 a tonne, but added there was little crop left to be marketed. "Certainly its a great opportunity for anyone who has some chickpeas left over but by and large they have already been sold, so there is not a lot of volume there," Mr Alexander said. "We've seen demand emerging from Indian buyers since the news of the tariffs being removed so that is a positive development." However, he said there was also excitement about the new crop. "Indian buyers have indicated they will be very active in the market up until the end of the calendar year at least and the prices reflect that, with around $1100/t on offer." "Other buyers such as Pakistan are ...