On March 29, 2019, the Government of India issued a notification revising the existing quantitative restrictions applying to the import of peas into India.
The revision to the quantitative restriction for peas (yellow, green, and dun) limits pea imports into India to 150,000 metric tonnes during the period of April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020.
Chronology of India’s quantitative import restrictions on peas:
- April 25, 2018: The Government of India first imposed quantitative restrictions on the import of peas. The policy restricted the import of peas into India to 100,000 metric tonnes during the period of April 1 to June 30, 2018.
- July 2, 2018: The Government of India extended the 100,000 tonne quantitative restriction on peas to September 30, 2018.
- September 28, 2018: The Government of India extended the 100,000 tonne quantitative restriction on peas until December 31, 2018.
- December 28, 2018: The Government of India extended the 100,000 tonne quantitative restriction on peas until March 31, 2019.
Pulse exporting nations, including Canada, are addressing the challenge of working with India to improve the predictability and transparency of pulse import policy including both the quantitative restrictions and import tariffs that have impeded access for pulses into the India market. This work is being led by the Global Pulse Confederation (GPC) and through Geneva-based trade officials from many pulse-exporting nations. This international co-operation includes multi-lateral advocacy for predictability and transparency in all policy decisions.
Import duties in India are as a result of an abundance of domestically produced and imported pulses in the Indian market, resulting in low prices to Indian farmers for some pulses they produce there such as desi chickpea, pigeon pea and red lentil. While prices for yellow peas in India have risen sharply since the introduction of import duties, prices for desi chickpeas and red lentils in India remain low. Import duties are likely to stay in place until the supply situation in India changes and prices for those products rise.
We know the importance of India as Canada’s largest market for pulse crops. Canadian exports to India accounted for more than $1.1 billion and more than 1.9 million tonnes in 2016, with India accounting for over 40 per cent of Canada’s yellow pea and red lentil exports.