India’s soybean meal exports fall 60%, rapeseed meal shipments also decline

India continues to reduce exports of soybean and rapeseed meal amid slower domestic oilseed processing and declining competitiveness in global markets. According to Oil World analysts, higher prices for Indian meal compared with international quotations are limiting demand from overseas buyers.

In January–August 2026, India’s soybean meal exports declined by 60% compared with the same period last year, falling to 431 thsd tons. This was the lowest level in four years. In August, shipments dropped to 19 thsd tons, indicating a further weakening of export activity.

The main buyers of Indian soybean meal were Kenya, which imported 63 thsd tons, Nepal with 57 thsd tons, and European Union countries with 22 thsd tons. Meanwhile, high prices for Indian products continue to limit opportunities to expand shipments to international markets.

Rapeseed meal exports also remained below last year’s level, although shipments partially recovered to 122 thsd tons in August. Overall, India exported 1.17 mln tons of rapeseed meal in January–August, compared with 1.28 mln tons a year earlier, representing a decline of approximately 8.6%.

China remained the largest importer of Indian rapeseed meal, purchasing 579 thsd tons. Significant volumes were also shipped to Bangladesh — 241 thsd tons, and Thailand — 114 thsd tons. Despite continued demand in key Asian markets, India’s overall export performance remains under pressure from high prices and competition from other suppliers of feed products.

Tags: India, soybean meal, rapeseed meal