Canada is a world leader in the production and export of pulse crops – peas, lentils, beans and chickpeas. In 2014 Farm Cash Receipts from pulse crops totaled 2.2 billion. In 2014, Canada exported over $3.2 billion. Canada exports its pulses to over 120 countries.  By value, Canada’s largest export markets are India (27%), U.S. (13%), China (10%), Turkey (8%) and Bangladesh (8%). Given the diversity of pulse crops, however, markets vary significantly by product.

Peas: Canada is the world’s largest producer and exporter of field peas, Canada’s largest pulse crop. Canada accounts for 32% (2010) of world pea production and 55% of world pea trade (2008). Canada’s largest pea market is India which accounts for almost half of Canada’s yellow pea exports.

Lentils: Canada is the world’s largest exporter of lentils. Canada is responsible for 38.5% of world lentil production (2010) and 50% of world lentil trade (2008). Canada’s largest markets for red lentils are India (29%), Turkey (20%), and United Arab Emirates (8%).

Beans and Chickpeas: Canada is a top five exporter of dry beans and chickpeas.