“The favorable pricing of pulses remains significant for our producers”/
And more reasons why Ukrainian pulses are gearing up for growth

Hi Antonina, great to have you back to chat with us! Tell us about the recent creation of the Ukrainian Pulse and Soybean Association (UPSA), merging the previously separate pulse and soybean organisations. How did this come about?

The merger of the two associations is a strategically justified step that addresses the modern challenges faced by Ukrainian producers of pulses and soybeans. The merger allows for the concentration of efforts on solving important issues such as increasing competition in international markets, adapting to European standards and implementing innovations in production.

The establishment of the new association will provide a unified platform for cooperation among all market participants—producers, processors, traders, and exporters. It will also facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience, which will help effectively address the current problems in the industry.

Additionally, the merger will strengthen the advocacy of sector interests at both national and international levels, as well as expanding export opportunities, particularly through the development of trade relationships with key partners such as the EU, Turkey, China and MENA countries.

Thanks to this merger, Ukrainian producers will be able to interact more effectively with trading partners, adapt their products to the specific requirements of markets and enhance their competitiveness on the global stage.

What kind of acreage are you expecting this spring?

This year, yellow/green peas should be around 243k hectares, lentils 24k ha, small white and other varieties of beans will be around 39.3 ha, and chickpeas 2.5k ha.

What have been the trends for pulse acres over recent years?

We anticipate an increase in the cultivated area for peas, lentils, and soybeans this year, but a slight decrease in beans and chickpeas. Over the past two years, there has been a marked increase in soybean plantings; however, this growth has not negatively impacted the area allocated to pulses. The favorable pricing of pulses remains significant for our producers, highlighting their importance in the current agricultural landscape.

How have the climate conditions been in the lead up to seedings?

The spring planting campaign in Ukraine started earlier than usual due to an abnormally warm March. Average temperatures exceeded the normal range by 5 to 6°C, which contributed to the rapid warming of the soil and allowed for the early sowing of pulse crops.

Despite the favorable warmth, the main challenge remains the lack of moisture. A dry autumn and a winter with insufficient precipitation have resulted in a significant soil moisture deficit. In most regions, moisture reserves in the arable layer range from 27 to 48 mm—an acceptable level for fieldwork initiation. However, in certain areas, particularly in the south, these levels are critically low. If the dry conditions persist, the risk of an early spring drought increases.

Currently, there is a risk of uneven crop development due to low moisture levels. Farmers are being forced to adapt their agricultural practices, with some adjusting their sowing schedules to align with periods of optimal moisture availability.

Which export markets have been strongest for Ukrainian pulse sales over the last year? Have there been any new markets, or increases/drops in existing trade relationships? 

Last season, Ukraine primarily supplied its pulses to Turkey, Italy, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Egypt. With the opening of the Chinese market for Ukrainian peas, we will now begin shipments there as well, starting this season.

Ukraine has been at war for three years, making the entire export process incredibly challenging. Our farmers sow under shelling, harvest under shelling, and export under shelling. Despite these hardships, we remain hopeful that this season we will be able to deliver Ukrainian products to global markets without interruption.

How are logistics out of Ukraine currently? Have prices returned to normal after the Black Sea disruptions?

Overall, we can confidently say that freight rates have returned to pre-war levels—both for bulk and container shipments. This is undoubtedly good news for the market.

Additionally, the current situation with this year’s harvest in Europe is playing into the hands of logistics players. Several regions face harvesting difficulties, and this applies not only to pulses. As a result, logistics routes remain underutilized, creating opportunities for highly favorable freight rates—both for container transportation and shipping.

Previously, any escalation immediately impacted rates, causing them to spike after attacks. However, the situation is now different. Thanks to improved security measures, even after the latest strikes, including the hit on a vessel in the Odessa region, freight rates have remained stable. This instills a sense of cautious optimism about the market’s continued stability. 

Could you give info on the new trade route to China for peas, and how much you think Ukraine will benefit from China’s tariff on Canada/US?

Ukraine has officially received permission to export peas to China. The corresponding agreement was signed on March 6, 2025. The signed documents establish veterinary, sanitary, and phytosanitary requirements for supplying Ukrainian peas to the Chinese market. This marks a significant step in expanding the export geography of Ukrainian pulses.

The key benefit of this agreement is the ability to diversify sales markets.

Trade wars are not about growth—they are about restrictions. The main goal of the association was to secure access for Ukrainian peas to the Chinese market. And we have achieved it—the market is now open.