Peas And Partnerships: India Emerges As Top Buyer Of Ukrainian Pulses Amid Trade Shifts

India has officially become the largest importer of Ukrainian peas in 2025, marking a significant shift in global agricultural trade dynamics. The announcement was confirmed by the Ukrainian Bean and Soybean Association and reported by Ukrainian News and NV Business on September 22. The development reflects India’s growing appetite for protein-rich pulses and Ukraine’s expanding role as a reliable supplier despite ongoing geopolitical challenges.

 

The surge in imports is attributed to India’s continued waiver of import duties on peas, which has stimulated demand and elevated purchase volumes. With more than 600,000 metric tonnes of peas harvested in Ukraine this year, the country is rapidly regaining its pre-war export momentum, and India is playing a central role in that recovery.

 

Key Highlights From The Trade Update

 

- India is now the largest buyer of Ukrainian peas in 2025  

- Over 600,000 metric tonnes of peas harvested in Ukraine this season  

- Duty-free import regime in India continues to support trade volumes  

- Ukraine ranks 6th–7th globally among pea exporters, with potential to reclaim top-three status  

- China also opens its market for Ukrainian peas, with initial shipments underway  

 

Trade Dynamics And Policy Drivers

 

India’s position as the top buyer is underpinned by a strategic policy decision to maintain duty-free access for imported peas. Originally set to expire in February 2025, the waiver was extended through May and is expected to remain in place due to domestic supply constraints and weather-related disruptions.

 

This policy has:

 

- Encouraged bulk purchases from Ukrainian producers  

- Supported price stability for Indian consumers  

- Enabled traders to secure forward contracts at competitive rates  

- Reduced reliance on domestic harvests, which remain vulnerable to monsoon variability  

 

Ukraine’s export competitiveness has also been bolstered by improved logistics, expanded acreage, and favorable growing conditions. The country’s pea cultivation area rose to 266,000 hectares this year, a 33 percent increase over 2024.

 

Market Implications For India

 

India’s rising imports of Ukrainian peas have implications across several sectors:

 

- Food processing companies benefit from consistent supply of raw pulses  

- Retail prices remain stable despite global commodity volatility  

- Farmers face increased competition from imported pulses, prompting calls for support  

- Traders gain access to high-quality, low-cost inventory for domestic and export resale  

 

The demand surge is also linked to shifting dietary preferences, with plant-based proteins gaining traction among health-conscious consumers and urban households.

 

Ukraine’s Export Strategy And Global Positioning

 

Ukraine, once among the top three global pea exporters, saw its ranking slip due to war-related disruptions. However, the current season signals a turnaround, with export volumes climbing and new markets opening.

 

Key developments include:

 

- China signing a protocol for Ukrainian pea imports, with shipments in final approval stages  

- Expansion of sowing area and yield optimization among Ukrainian farmers  

- Diversification of export destinations to reduce dependence on any single market  

- Strengthening of trade ties with India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia  

 

The Ukrainian government and agricultural cooperatives are actively supporting this resurgence through trade facilitation, certification programs, and bilateral agreements.

 

Agricultural Outlook

 

With India and China emerging as key drivers of demand, Ukrainian pea exports are poised for sustained growth. The combination of policy support, logistical improvements, and market diversification offers a stable foundation for future trade.

 

For India, continued imports will depend on domestic crop performance, inflation trends, and geopolitical stability in supplier regions. The spot market remains active, with prices ranging between USD 225–230 per tonne for July–September delivery.

 

Trade Sentiment Tracker

 

India’s emergence as the largest buyer of Ukrainian peas underscores the evolving nature of global agricultural trade. As both nations deepen their commercial ties, stakeholders will be watching for shifts in pricing, policy, and supply chain resilience.

 

Sources: Ukrainian News, NV Business, Ukraine Business News.