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Desi Chickpeas Market Powers Ahead: Limited Supplies and Firm Demand Drive Price Surge

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Desi Chickpeas have emerged as one of the most dynamic agricultural commodities in recent weeks, with solid fundamentals underpinning a robust rally. Domestic prices surged sharply by about $5.42 per quintal, currently closing in the $780–$785 per quintal range after starting the month as low as $685. This momentum is propelled by tighter supplies and steady to rising demand, particularly from millers and Southeast Asian buyers. As market arrivals dwindle—now just 70–80 truckloads per day (down from 100–125 truckloads earlier)—sellers are enjoying firmer ground and price leverage.

Export demand remains resilient, acting as a floor for domestic markets, and several industry observers anticipate that prices may soon breach the $800 per quintal level if trends persist. However, any notable increase in arrivals or shifts in import policy could temper further price gains and tip market balance. Immediate-term outlook remains bullish, but vigilance regarding policy updates and seasonal arrivals is warranted.

📈 Prices: Latest Market Rates

Exchange/Market Product Type/Size Origin Closing Price (EUR/kg) Weekly Change (EUR) Sentiment
FOB Mexico City Chickpeas dried 42-44, 12 mm MX 1.66 -0.02 Neutral/Bearish
FOB Mexico City Chickpeas dried 75-80, 8 mm MX 1.14 -0.02 Neutral/Bearish
FOB New Delhi Chickpeas dried 60-62, 8 mm IN 1.22 -0.02 Neutral/Bearish
FOB New Delhi Chickpeas dried 58-60, 9 mm IN 1.23 -0.02 Neutral/Bearish
FOB New Delhi Chickpeas dried 46-48, 10 mm IN 1.27 -0.02 Neutral/Bearish
FOB New Delhi Chickpeas dried 44-46, 11 mm IN 1.29 -0.02 Neutral/Bearish
FOB New Delhi Chickpeas dried 42-44, 12 mm IN 1.28 -0.02 Neutral/Bearish

🌍 Supply & Demand Dynamics

  • Arrivals: Current domestic arrivals have dropped to just 70–80 truckloads/day versus earlier season peaks of 100–125, supporting a seller-favorable supply environment.
  • Demand: Ongoing procurement from millers and consistent export demand, especially from Southeast Asia, are underpinning the rally.
  • Exports: Remain firm; external demand continues to lend bullish support.
  • Market Outlook: The scarcity has not only underpinned prices, but also heightened market sensitivity to policy or logistical shifts.

📊 Fundamentals & Market Drivers

  • Price Momentum: Up 13.9% (from $685 to $780 per quintal) over the past month on falling arrivals and higher miller offtake.
  • Speculative Positioning: Bullish positioning among traders is evident, amplifying short-covering and keeping upside open.
  • Potential Headwinds: Any abrupt increase in arrivals or government intervention via import policy change could quickly cap gains.
  • International Context: Indian and Mexican FOB price movements show minor easing week-on-week, but aggregate sentiment remains tight on supply-side risks.

⛅ Weather Outlook & Crop Conditions

  • India: Central and Northern chickpea-producing regions are experiencing mixed weather – a brief dry spell last week is followed by forecasts of scattered but insufficient rainfall. This supports fears over yield prospect, especially for late-sown crops.
  • Mexico: Major growing areas remain dry-to-normal, with no major disruptions reported; however, close monitoring is warranted as any shift towards excessive dryness or rainfall during pod-filling could pressure supplies further.

🌎 Global Production & Stocks

Country 2023/24 Production (Est. mn t) 2024/25 Forecast (mn t) Major Export Destinations
India 11.2 10.8* Bangladesh, UAE, SE Asia
Mexico 0.25 0.24 MENA, EU, USA
Turkey 0.6 0.58 EU, ME
Australia 0.4 0.42 South Asia, EU

*Note: Indian output trimmed on weather and acreage constraints as per latest updates.

📌 Trading Outlook & Recommendations

  • Maintain long positions while monitoring arrivals and policy signals—momentum remains with sellers amid short supplies.
  • Consider partial profit booking as prices approach $800/quintal, as market may react swiftly to policy or logistical changes.
  • Exporters encouraged to lock in sales for nearby shipments given persistent overseas interest.
  • End-users and millers should increase coverage on price dips or as arrivals show signs of further decline.

📆 3-Day Regional Price Forecast

Market/Exchange Direction Forecast Range (EUR/kg)
FOB New Delhi ⬆️ Firm 1.29–1.32
FOB Mexico City ➡️ Steady/Bullish 1.13–1.18