India`s Oilmeal Exports Dip 2.4% on Weaker Demand by Amit Gupta, Kedia Advisory
India’s oilmeal exports declined by 2.4% to 15.16 lakh tonnes during April-July 2025-26, mainly due to lower shipments of soyabean, rapeseed, and castorseed meals. Exports in July alone fell 7% year-on-year. Despite the overall dip, rapeseed meal exports to China surged sharply to 2.77 lakh tonnes, supported by India’s strong price competitiveness at $195 per tonne against global levels of $236. Meanwhile, SEA has urged the government to lift the export ban on de-oiled rice bran, as prices have dropped significantly. Lower kharif oilseed acreage is also a concern, though favorable monsoon conditions support crop prospects.
Key Highlights
* Oilmeal exports fell 2.4% to 15.16 lt in April-July.
* Rapeseed meal exports to China jumped nearly 23-fold.
* India maintained price edge at $195/tonne vs Hamburg $236.
* SEA urged lifting ban on de-oiled rice bran exports.
* Kharif oilseed acreage declined to 178.64 lh from 185.38 lh.
India’s oilmeal exports witnessed a 2.4 per cent decline during April-July 2025-26, slipping to 15.16 lakh tonnes against 15.54 lakh tonnes in the same period last year. In July alone, shipments fell by 7 per cent year-on-year to 4.22 lakh tonnes. The fall was largely attributed to weaker exports of soyabean meal, rapeseed meal, and castorseed meal.
However, rapeseed meal showed resilience with strong overseas demand, particularly from China. Between April and July, China imported 2.77 lakh tonnes of Indian rapeseed meal, a dramatic rise from just 12,011 tonnes last year. This surge was supported by India’s pricing advantage, with domestic ex-mill prices at $195 per tonne compared to Hamburg’s $236. The country’s geographical proximity to key Asian markets also enhanced its competitiveness, positioning India as a reliable supplier.
On the policy front, the Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA) has appealed to the government to lift the ban on de-oiled rice bran exports. Before the prohibition in July 2023, India exported 5–6 lakh tonnes annually, mainly to Vietnam and Thailand. With prices now at lower levels, SEA believes lifting restrictions will help dispose of surplus and regain India’s market position.
Meanwhile, kharif oilseed acreage has dropped to 178.64 lakh hectares from 185.38 lakh hectares last year. Groundnut and soyabean have seen notable declines, with acreage slipping to 43.98 lh and 119.82 lh, respectively. Despite this, a favorable monsoon is expected to support overall crop output, though price volatility may influence final planting trends.
In conclusion, India’s oilmeal exports face short-term pressure, but strong Chinese demand, competitive pricing, and supportive monsoon conditions may help stabilize the market in the coming months.
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