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India’s oilmeal exports dipped marginally by 0.72% in April–June 2025-26 to 10.94 lakh tonnes, mainly due to slightly lower soyabean meal shipments. However, rapeseed meal exports grew strongly, driven by rising demand from China, which imported 1.80 lakh tonnes compared to just 7,000 tonnes last year, thanks to India’s price advantage. Rapeseed meal was priced around $198–201 a tonne against Hamburg’s $246–313, boosting India’s competitiveness. Strong domestic crushing on higher mustard oil demand supported rapeseed meal supply. Meanwhile, kharif sowing benefited from a good monsoon, but overall oilseed acreage dipped slightly due to lower soyabean coverage despite gains in groundnut area.

Key Highlights

* India’s oilmeal exports dipped 0.72% in April–June 2025-26.

* Rapeseed meal exports rose sharply, with China as a key buyer.

* Indian rapeseed meal priced lower than Hamburg, boosting demand.

* Soyabean meal exports slipped marginally amid price volatility.

* Good monsoon advanced kharif sowing; oilseed acreage slightly down.

India’s oilmeal exports showed resilience during the first quarter of FY 2025-26, registering a marginal decline of just 0.72% year-on-year to 10.94 lakh tonnes despite a minor dip in soyabean meal shipments. The standout performer was rapeseed meal, which gained momentum on the back of competitive pricing and robust overseas demand, especially from China.

According to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), India’s rapeseed meal exports rose to 5.31 lakh tonnes during April–June 2025-26, up from 5.23 lakh tonnes last year. China alone imported around 1.80 lakh tonnes compared to just 7,000 tonnes a year ago. The price edge has played a pivotal role — Indian rapeseed meal was offered at $201 a tonne in May and stood at $198 as of mid-July, significantly cheaper than Hamburg’s $246–313 per tonne range. This price differential, coupled with India’s logistical advantage, has strengthened its position as a reliable supplier in Asia’s protein feed market.

Soyabean meal exports fell marginally to 4.93 lakh tonnes from 4.96 lakh tonnes last year due to volatility in prices and competition from other crops. Major buyers like South Korea, Bangladesh, Germany and France remained key markets.

On the domestic front, kharif sowing activities received a boost from an above-average monsoon, with rainfall 15% higher than the long-period average by early July. Groundnut coverage rose notably to 32.99 lakh hectares, but soyabean acreage fell to 99.03 lakh hectares as farmers shifted to more profitable crops. Overall kharif oilseed acreage stood slightly lower at 137.27 lakh hectares compared to 139.82 lakh hectares last year.

In conclusion, robust demand, competitive pricing and supportive monsoon trends have kept India’s oilmeal trade steady, with rapeseed meal leading the way despite challenges in soyabean exports.

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