Trade Talk

Sergey Pluzhnikov, CEO of Russian Pulses Analytics, shares a picture of Russian pulses as we move into the seeding season. We cover the impact of the ongoing conflict in Iran, the tariff-triggered shift in Chinese pea demand, and what to expect from Russian pulse acres as seedings enter their initial stages.

As maritime logistics strain against conflict in the Middle East, we sat down to chat with Canadian pulse logistics guru, Steven Pocklington of CFT Corp, and Trond Prestroenning, Regional CEO of Fr. Meyer’s Sohn Logistics. We discuss battling the big waves of the Iran conflict, the effects of trade tariffs, and how pulse producers can protect their cargo in a period of great uncertainty.

As the Brazilian Institute of Beans and Pulses celebrates its 20th anniversary, its President, Marcelo Lüders, surveys crop challenges this season — a weather-hit first harvest, cautious second crop seedings, and his expectations of lower black bean exports. He also discusses plans for Brazil’s bright future in pulses, making the case for their role as a reliable, regenerative, and sustainable producer for the world’s biggest pulse consumers.

We sat down to chat with the Managing Director of Arab India Spices, Harish Tahiliani, who reveals how the UAE is navigating the shockwaves of the Iran conflict. We discuss shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, emergency war surcharges, and why the local market is panic-buying pulses. He also unpacks fresh demand from the US and Europe, and why African buyers will have to search out new exporters as long as the war continues.

Gonzalo De La Cierva, CEO of Industrias Racionero, shares his picture of the Spain pulse market in 2026 — from renewed nostalgia and rising consumption to pessimism ahead of the seedings, and why this year could see another increase in import demand.