Asian pulse trade resilient amid Trump tariffs and geopolitical tensions

Traditionally a staple, pulses like peas, lentils, and chickpeas are now central to Asia’s food security and innovation agenda, valued for their high protein, affordability, and low environmental footprint. With rising demand and ongoing geopolitical disruptions, pulses have become a strategic commodity for both governments and businesses. In this context, industry experts say the Asian pulse trade has remained remarkably resilient, despite tariff tensions triggered by US President Donald Trump’s administration and the China-Canada trade war. The USA plays a relatively minor role in global pulse trade, exporting an estimated 1.2 to 1.5m tonnes annually—far behind Canada and Australia, which exported over 5 million and 4 million tonnes respectively in 2024, according to Rabobank. “US tariffs are expected to have limited impact on the pulse trade. Instead, it is weather uncertainties that will drive volatility,” said Lief Chiang, executive director of RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, speaking at the recent Pulse 25 event in Singapore. According to 2025 data from UN COMTRADE and RaboResearch, Canada and Australia are expected to remain the top pulse exporters, accounting for 24% and 18% of global exports respectively. Russia’s share has risen to 13%—largely driven by increased demand from China. India dominates the pulse imports market at 32%, followed by China at 11%, and Bangladesh and Pakistan at 6% each. Gaurav Jain, analyst and consultant at AgPulse Analytica, shares Chiang’s view that tariffs have limited effect on the pulse sector. Total Canadian pulse supply is expected to see only a slight year-on-year dip, but exports have declined more significantly amid strained trade relations with US and China. He added that India’s growing appetite for peas since 2024 has led to a resurgence in trade volumes, with Canadian imports rising from 1.2 million tonnes in 2024 to 2 million tonnes between April 2024 and February 2025. Although China and the U.S. were historically Canada’s two largest pulse buyers, the imposition of tariffs (100% in China’s case) has not completely derailed Canada’s exports to Asia. “China has diversified its sourcing, turning to Russia and Kazakhstan, while Canada has seen new opportunities open up in South Asia,” he stated. He added that while Asia’s pulse trade remains largely insulated from US-China-Canada tensions, the EU is grappling with new challenges. A 50% import duty on Russian and Belarusian peas, alongside sluggish domestic output and potential competition with China for Ukrainian supply, has put its self-sufficiency under strain. These developments highlight a clear message for exporters: market resilience will depend significantly on agility and relationships with emerging markets. Chiang suggested that Trump’s use of tariffs extended beyond simple economic leverage – the tariffs are wielded as strategic tools to influence foreign policy, domestic industry protection, and international negotiations. Similarly, China’s decision to hit certain Canadian imports with tariffs were the result of diplomatic tensions linked to the 2018 Meng Wanzhou case, which was seen as a broader move to signal displeasure rather than address supply issues. “Looking ahead to 2025–2026, industry watchers will be paying close attention to whether India’s appetite for Canadian pulses holds, and whether other Asian markets continue to grow into stable long-term buyers," Jain said.