Chickpeas Market Update: Firm Tone Amidst Subdued Trade and Tight Supply

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Chickpea prices are currently experiencing a period of consolidation, with limited but steady trade activity dominating the market. In major producing regions such as Maharashtra and New Delhi, prices are hovering at cautious yet stable levels—reflecting concerns over tight supply and guarded buyer sentiment. As stockists exhibit moderate buying interest, overall market volumes remain subdued, yet there is a growing belief among traders that the downside risk is minimal given shrinking imports and firm domestic fundamentals.

The prevailing consensus is that chickpea prices are likely to strengthen in the coming sessions, bolstered by restricted availability and resilient demand from the downstream food industry. Against this backdrop, market participants are closely monitoring supply chain developments, macroeconomic trends, and weather forecasts in key producing zones, as these factors will set the tone for pricing in Q4 2025.

📈 Prices at a Glance

Product Origin Location Type Last Price (€/kg) Weekly Change (%) Delivery Sentiment
Chickpeas dried MX Mexico City 75-80 ct, 8 mm 1.10 -1.8% FOB Neutral/Firm
Chickpeas dried MX Mexico City 42-44 ct, 12 mm 1.62 -1.2% FOB Neutral/Firm
Chickpeas dried IN New Delhi 60-62 ct, 8 mm 1.17 -1.7% FOB Balanced
Chickpeas dried IN New Delhi 58-60 ct, 9 mm 1.18 -1.7% FOB Balanced
Chickpeas dried IN New Delhi 46-48 ct, 10 mm 1.22 -1.6% FOB Balanced/Firm
Chickpeas dried IN New Delhi 44-46 ct, 11 mm 1.24 -1.6% FOB Neutral/Firm
Chickpeas dried IN New Delhi 42-44 ct, 12 mm 1.23 -1.6% FOB Neutral/Firm

🌍 Supply & Demand Dynamics

  • Supply: Arrivals in India’s main mandis remain subdued, with no significant influx expected shortly. Lower import volumes in the past month have further tightened supplies. In Mexico, stable export flows persist, but overall global stocks hover at the lower end.
  • Demand: Purchasing is cautious yet steady, with stockists showing select activity at current price levels. Consumer industries (snack foods, flour) maintain steady procurement, supporting the floor price.
  • Market Drivers: Restricted market arrivals and concerns over replenishment before the next harvest are keeping downside risk limited. The prospect of firming prices has spurred some speculative positioning.

📊 Fundamentals & Global Comparison

  • India, the world’s largest producer and consumer, is seeing steady ex-mill prices and moderate domestic use. Government releases from buffer stocks are absent so far.
  • Australia is projected to maintain stable export supply, but dry conditions may curb yields. Mexico’s export-available stocks are stable, but global inventories are not ample.
Country 2024/25 Production (est. kt) Stocks (kt) 2024 Imports (est. kt)
India 12,000 1,500 100
Australia 1,100 200
Mexico 200 60
EU 215 50 180
Turkey 580 40 60

🌦 Weather & Crop Outlook

  • India (Central/North): Recent showers have replenished soil moisture for rabi planting, but overall rainfall remains slightly below average. Timely sowing may be challenged if dry spells recur in late October.
  • Australia (Queensland/NSW): Ongoing dry and warm conditions could limit late-season yields, with some regions reporting below-average soil moisture reserves.
  • Mexico (Sinaloa): Weather remains favorable for harvest, but market participants remain vigilant for any late adverse events as the season draws to a close.

📆 Market Outlook & Trading Ideas

  • Firm to Stable Tone: Prices are expected to remain steady-to-firm, supported by tight stocks and cautious trade flows.
  • Limited Downside: Downside risk appears low, barring a sudden influx of imports or a rapid improvement in the crop outlook.
  • Monitor Weather & Mandi Arrivals: Watch for rain patterns in Western India and arrivals in Maharashtra & Madhya Pradesh for early signals on pricing shifts.
  • Procurement Opportunities: Buyers should consider phased procurement as upside potential increases with tightening availability.
  • Speculators: Short-term bullish positioning could be warranted if arrivals remain light and official stock releases are delayed.

3-Day Regional Price Forecast

Location Product Current Price (€/kg) 3-Day Forecast (€/kg)
Mexico City (FOB) Chickpeas 75-80 ct, 8 mm 1.10 1.10 – 1.13
New Delhi (FOB) Chickpeas 60-62 ct, 8 mm 1.17 1.17 – 1.20
New Delhi (FOB) Chickpeas 46-48 ct, 10 mm 1.22 1.22 – 1.25