Bangladesh will import 2.8 mln tons of vegetable oils in MY 2025/26

In Bangladesh, in MY 2025/26 (July 2025 – June 2026), the imports of soybeans are expected to increase to 2.5 mln tonnes, which is 100 thsd tonnes more than in the previous year, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service report. This increase is due to the country’s economic recovery after the recession and stable demand for soybean meal for poultry and fish farming, as well as soybean oil for consumption by the population. At the same time, the local soybean production will remain at 155 thsd tonnes due to the limited acreage.

The economic situation in Bangladesh, despite the gradual recovery, still affects the agricultural sector. In 2024/25, imports of oilseeds and crude oil decreased due to the lack of foreign exchange reserves and the rising value of the US dollar. However, the forecast for 2025/26 is more optimistic: crude oil imports are expected to reach 2.8 million tons, reflecting increased demand due to urbanization, changing consumer habits, and the development of the processing industry.

Bangladesh’s soybean meal production in 2025/26 is projected at 2 million tons, of which 1.2 million tons will be imported. This product remains key for feeding livestock and poultry, which is growing due to the increase in population and its need for protein food. At the same time, imports of finished soybean meal will increase to 700 thousand tons, which indicates the country’s dependence on external supplies.

Experts note that palm oil will remain the main type of imported oil in Bangladesh, amounting to 1.8 million tons.

Tags: edible oils, Bangladesh, imports