Lentil prices from China are edging lower while Gansu’s new-crop sowing progresses smoothly under generally favorable soil moisture. Policy support is expected to lift 2026 acreage slightly, capping upside risks for prices unless weather turns adverse later in the season.
China’s lentil market is entering a weather‑sensitive window: spring planting of small green lentils in Gansu is in full swing with good soil moisture after late‑March rain and snow. Farmers are pushing to complete sowing by mid to late April, and early estimates point to a modest year‑on‑year acreage increase thanks to policy incentives. Spot FOB prices in Beijing have eased slightly week‑on‑week, reflecting comfortable short‑term supply and the market’s expectation of a larger new crop. Internationally, Canadian lentil indications remain stable to slightly softer, keeping global import demand for Chinese origins measured.
Exclusive Offers on CMBroker
Lentils dried
small, green
99.5%
FOB 1.23 €/kg
(from CN)
Lentils dried
small, green
99.5%
FOB 1.14 €/kg
(from CN)
Lentils dried
Red football
FOB 2.58 €/kg
(from CA)
📈 Prices
FOB offers (Beijing and Ottawa, converted to EUR, latest as of 9–10 April 2026):
| Origin | Product | Specification | Price (EUR/kg, FOB) | 1-week change (EUR/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | Lentils dried | Small green, organic, 99.5% | 1.23 | -0.02 |
| China | Lentils dried | Small green, conventional, 99.5% | 1.14 | -0.02 |
| Canada | Lentils dried | Red football | 2.58 | 0.00 |
| Canada | Lentils dried | Laird green | 1.75 | 0.00 |
| Canada | Lentils dried | Eston green | 1.65 | 0.00 |
- Chinese small green lentil FOB prices in Beijing have drifted lower since mid‑March, with both organic and conventional grades down about EUR 0.02/kg over the last week.
- Canadian values for red and green types are steady, maintaining a significant premium over Chinese small green offers and limiting upside for Chinese export prices in the short term.
- The recent easing in Chinese prices reflects comfortable nearby availability and expectations of slightly higher 2026 production.
🌍 Supply & Demand
- In Gansu, a core production region for small lentils, spring sowing is currently at its peak. As of 3 April 2026, about 60–70% of the area had been planted, with farmers quickly taking advantage of good moisture conditions.
- Late‑March rain and snow effectively replenished soil water, supporting rapid fieldwork and reducing early‑season drought risk.
- Policy support in 2026 is expected to drive a slight but broad‑based increase in lentil acreage, though final sown area will only be confirmed around mid‑May.
- On the demand side, steady domestic consumption and competitive Canadian offers keep export demand balanced rather than aggressive, encouraging buyers to remain cautious and price‑sensitive.
📊 Fundamentals & Weather
Short‑term fundamentals in China are mildly bearish to neutral: sowing is progressing well, moisture is adequate, and there are no immediate signs of weather stress.
- Weather outlook (Lanzhou, Gansu, 10–12 April 2026): mostly cloudy with highs around 19–23°C and cool nights around 8–10°C, with some breeze but no extreme conditions reported. This favors continued sowing and early crop establishment.
- Good seedbed and moisture conditions reduce re‑sowing risk and support uniform emergence, which could ultimately translate into solid yield potential if conditions remain supportive into May–June.
- Given the expected slight acreage increase, overall Chinese lentil production potential for 2026 leans higher year‑on‑year, barring significant weather disruptions later in the growing season.
📆 Trading Outlook
- For importers/food manufacturers: Near‑term procurement can remain hand‑to‑mouth, as current Chinese FOB prices are easing and new‑crop prospects look favorable. Consider modest coverage for Q3–Q4 to hedge against potential weather surprises.
- For Chinese producers/co‑ops: With acreage up slightly and prices already softening, focus on cost control and quality differentiation (organic, higher purity) to preserve margins in the upcoming marketing year.
- For traders: The price spread between Chinese small green and Canadian lentils offers opportunities for arbitrage into price‑sensitive destinations, but upside appears capped until clearer signals of weather‑driven yield risk emerge.
📉 3‑Day Price Indication (Directional)
- China – Beijing FOB small green lentils (organic & conventional): Slight downside to sideways over the next 3 days, given smooth sowing and comfortable nearby supply.
- Canada – FOB Ottawa red and green lentils: Largely stable in the very short term, with limited fresh fundamental news and a wait‑and‑see stance ahead of North American planting progress.
