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India's rapeseed meal exports are witnessing a sharp increase as China, the world's top consumer, replaces Canadian imports following a 100% retaliatory tariff imposed on Canadian rapeseed meal and oil. India's shipments to China are projected to reach a record 500,000 metric tons in 2025/26, up from just 60,759 tons last year. Competitive pricing, at around $202 per ton FOB, is boosting India's export momentum. The surge in demand is also enhancing domestic rapeseed crushing and improving rapeseed oil availability. Traditionally reliant on South Korea, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, Indian exporters are now seeing China emerge as their biggest customer.

Key Highlights

* China to import record rapeseed meal volumes from India.

* Retaliatory tariffs on Canada trigger shift in Chinese sourcing.

* Indian meal offered at $202/ton FOB vs $300 EU rates.

* Exports hit 113,836 tons in first two months of 2025/26.

* Higher crushing improves India’s domestic rapeseed oil supply.

India’s rapeseed meal exports are gaining strong momentum in 2025/26, supported by robust Chinese demand and attractive price competitiveness. Following Beijing’s imposition of a 100% retaliatory tariff on Canadian rapeseed meal and oil starting March 20, China has aggressively turned to India for supplies.

This shift has sent Indian exports soaring, with volumes to China likely to touch a record 500,000 metric tons this year—up from only 60,759 tons in 2024/25. In just the first two months of the marketing year, India has already shipped over 113,000 tons to China.

One key factor driving this demand surge is price. Indian rapeseed meal is currently priced at around $202 per ton FOB, significantly cheaper than the $300 per ton rate from European Union suppliers. “Indian rapeseed meal is very competitive compared to other origins. That’s why China has been increasing purchases since March,” noted B.V. Mehta of the Solvent Extractors’ Association.

Traditionally, India has exported rapeseed meal to markets like South Korea, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Vietnam. However, China has emerged as a top buyer "from nowhere," according to exporters, now accounting for more than 50,000 tons in monthly purchases.

Apart from improving export earnings, this rise in demand is also supporting India’s domestic oil market. Higher rapeseed meal demand is leading to increased rapeseed crushing, thereby improving local availability of rapeseed oil—crucial amid lower edible oil imports in recent months.

India, a major importer of palm, soybean, and sunflower oils, benefits from this development as it looks to balance demand and supply in the edible oil segment.

Finally

China’s pivot to Indian rapeseed meal is boosting exports, easing local stock pressure, and strengthening India's edible oil supply amid tight global market dynamics.

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