Desi Chickpea Import Situation in Pakistan/
4 insights from GPC members

1) Forecasts vs. Actual Imports

• “The forecasted import volume for desi chickpeas at the beginning of the year was 450,000 tonnes.” 
• “However, between January and August 2024, only about 30,000 tonnes were imported from Australia and 2,000-3,000 tonnes from Tanzania.”
  
  
  

2) Q4 2024 Import Expectations 

• “Pakistan is expected to heavily import desi chickpeas during Q4 2024. Six bulk vessels have been traded, with one vessel (MV Cetus Narwhal) arriving on October 31 carrying 19,000 tonnes of chickpeas.” 
• “From November to January, arrivals of around 130,000-135,000 tonnes in bulk vessels are expected.”
  
  

a)  Import Estimates by Origin 

• Australia: 40,000-50,000 tonnes (in containers)
• Tanzania: 25,000-30,000 tonnes
• Ethiopia: 5,000-7,000 tonnes
• Russia: 30,000-40,000 tonnes
  
  
  

3) Russian Desi Imports

• “Russian desi chickpea imports have slowed down due to falling Australian prices. The exact tonnage imported from Russia is estimated at 30,000-40,000 tonnes.”
  
  
  

4) Market Sentiment and Ramadan Preparations 

• “With world prices falling, the market sentiment is bearish. Buyers are looking to wash out one to two vessels to give the market breathing space and import again at lower values.” 
• “Ramadan demand is expected, but there may be some substitution with yellow peas, which are being imported at an all-time high.”