Meng Weihua at Qingdao Pulses Congress/
China’s pulse trade data — and where suppliers are gaining ground

China imported 1.85 million tons of dry pulses in the first half of 2026, with peas accounting for the largest share at 1.32 million tons. Russia has overtaken Canada as the leading pea supplier, while India has become China’s largest source of mung beans and kidney beans, reflecting a broader shift in the country’s supply structure. Meng also pointed to rising chickpea imports, led by Turkey and India, and Kazakhstan’s growing role in lentils, supported by its competitive pricing and direct rail links to western China.

The data also revealed how quickly market conditions are changing. Meng highlighted the expansion of China’s approved supply origins, quality challenges affecting some mung bean shipments from India and the suspension of most Myanmar mung bean access following pesticide-residue problems. With suppliers from North America, Africa, Asia and South America competing for a share of China’s increasingly diverse market, he stressed the importance of understanding local requirements and maintaining consistent quality.

View the complete keynote presentation