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Summary:
India has announced a 30% import duty on yellow peas starting November 1, 2025, aiming to stabilize domestic pulse prices and support local farmers. While the move benefits Indian growers, it has disappointed global markets and may not be sufficient to offset the price impact caused by global pulse surpluses.
Yellow Peas Import Duty: India Reintroduces 30% Tariff
India will reimpose a 30% import duty on yellow peas beginning November 1, 2025. Shipments with a bill of lading dated on or before October 31 will continue to enjoy duty-free access. This reinstatement follows nearly a year of zero-duty imports, a policy that had led to an influx of yellow peas and depressed domestic pulse prices.
However, the decision has not been well-received in international markets. Global traders expressed disappointment, calling the tariff “a blow” to yellow pea exports. With international prices currently hovering between $300–320 per tonne, exporters may have to absorb part of the duty burden to maintain competitiveness in India.
Duty Reimposition to Support Indian Farmers
The reinstatement of import duty on yellow peas is expected to help Indian farmers secure better prices for pulses. It comes at a time when kharif pulse arrivals are peaking, and domestic prices for key pulses such as tur, urad, and moong remain below their Minimum Support Prices (MSP).
- Tur (Pigeon Pea): ₹7,000 per quintal (MSP ₹7,550)
- Urad (Black Matpe): ₹6,150 per quintal (MSP ₹7,400)
- Moong (Green Gram): ₹6,557 per quintal (MSP ₹8,682)
By limiting cheaper imports, the government aims to restore market balance and ensure farmers receive remunerative prices.
Global Pulse Market Reaction
The yellow peas export market has faced significant challenges due to India’s policy changes. India is one of the world’s largest consumers of pulses, and fluctuations in its import policies have a ripple effect on international prices. The decision to impose duty comes after a writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging zero-duty imports and demands from industry stakeholders to impose a 30–50% duty to protect local interests.
Policy Alignment with Domestic Procurement Efforts
The import duty announcement coincides with the government’s move to procure green gram, black matpe, and pigeon peas at MSP in Telangana, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. This dual strategy—restricting imports while boosting procurement—reflects India’s broader effort to enhance self-reliance in pulses and support farmer incomes.
The decision also aligns with the upcoming rabi sowing season for chickpeas, lentils, and peas, giving farmers a confidence boost for better returns in the next cycle.
Global Supply Glut Adds Pressure
Globally, pulse prices have softened due to bumper harvests in Canada, the US, Australia, and Russia, along with strong pigeon pea yields in African countries. This oversupply, combined with India’s new import duty, is likely to keep global yellow pea exporters under pressure in the short term.
Conclusion
While the 30% import duty on yellow peas is a positive step toward protecting Indian farmers and stabilizing pulse prices, it may not fully counteract the global oversupply effect. The real test will lie in how domestic prices respond during the rabi season and whether global markets can adapt to India’s evolving import dynamics.
Focus Keywords:
yellow peas import duty, India pulses market, 30% import tariff, farmers support policy, global pulse prices