India’s soybean imports rise to 1.1 mln tons amid higher domestic prices

India’s soybean imports surged to a record 1.1 mln tons in 2025/26, compared with just 2 thsd tons in the previous season. The sharp increase in purchases was driven by rising domestic soybean prices, prompting crushing plants to step up overseas procurement. This is reported by the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA).

India prohibits imports of genetically modified soybeans, limiting purchases to countries supplying non-GM varieties. African countries, including Niger, Benin, Togo and Nigeria, emerged as the main suppliers. Non-GM soybeans typically command a significant price premium over genetically modified varieties.

Niger became India’s largest soybean supplier, shipping more than 430 thsd tons in the marketing year ended September 30, 2026. According to traders’ estimates, the country accounted for around 40% of India’s total soybean imports. African exporters have therefore significantly strengthened their positions in the Indian market amid rising demand from domestic crushers.

Meanwhile, the sharp increase in imports has attracted scrutiny from Indian customs authorities. Officials have launched an investigation into soybean shipments declared as originating from Niger. According to Reuters, authorities suspect that some cargoes actually came from Nigeria but were declared as Nigerien products to evade import duties. The final findings of the investigation have not yet been released.

Despite record soybean imports, India significantly reduced exports of processed soybean products. According to SOPA, soybean meal exports halved to 1 mln tons in 2025/26. The Indian market therefore recorded both a sharp increase in crushers’ reliance on imported soybeans and a decline in soybean meal exports.

Tags: soybean, India, imports