First lentil shipment fuels record trade to India

A reduced tariff agreement with one of the world’s fastest growing economies has seen local farmers dispatch $21 million worth of South Australian lentils to India.

 

The world’s most populous country and a vital growth market for South Australian exporters, India is one of only three countries importing $1 billion or more of SA products over the last 12 months.

 

With the Australia India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement now eliminating tariffs on 85 per cent of Australian goods exported to India, SA’s merchandise exports to India rose more than $200 million in the year to March 2025, up 19 per cent to a new record of $1.27 billion. This includes $337 million worth of South Australian lentils, which are highly sought-after by the Indian market for their superior quality.

 

India’s tariff rate on Australian lentils has now been reduced to 5 per cent, which will make South Australia’s lentils even more price competitive in the future – welcome news for local farmers who continue to struggle under prolonged drought conditions.

 

Producing the world’s best lentils, local growers can continue to access the premium Indian export market, playing a vital role in India’s food security strategy and cementing our strong cultural and economic ties with this rapidly growing nation.

Learn how we can connect your business with opportunities in India: https://export.sa.gov.au/global_offices/india