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India’s oilmeal exports rose by 1.79% to 7.81 lakh tonnes during April-May 2025-26, up from 7.67 lakh tonnes in the same period last year. The growth was supported by higher soyabean meal exports, which climbed to 3.87 lt, and strong demand from African and Far Eastern countries. India’s rapeseed meal remained competitive, with Kandla FOB prices at $200/tonne against Hamburg’s $290. While China, Bangladesh, and South Korea remained major buyers, the overall rapeseed meal export to South Korea fell significantly. Growing livestock production in Africa and logistical advantages further boosted India’s export prospects, particularly for soyabean and rapeseed meals.

Key Highlights

* Oilmeal exports up 1.79% to 7.81 lt in Apr-May FY26.

* Soyabean meal exports surged to 3.87 lt from 3.44 lt YoY.

* Rapeseed meal exports dropped slightly to 3.47 lt.

* India’s FOB price of rapeseed meal at $200/tonne vs $290 in Hamburg.

* South Korea, China, and Bangladesh were top oilmeal importers.

India’s oilmeal exports registered a marginal rise of 1.79% during the first two months of the financial year 2025-26, reaching 7.81 lakh tonnes (lt), compared to 7.67 lt in the same period last year. This increase was primarily driven by stronger performance in soyabean meal exports and stable demand from key global markets.

Soyabean meal exports rose notably to 3.87 lt during April-May 2025-26, up from 3.44 lt in the previous year. According to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), demand was particularly strong from African and West Asian countries, with shipments to Kenya and Kuwait playing a significant role. The rise in livestock production and growing preference for soyabean meal in animal feed have supported the upward trend.

In terms of rapeseed meal, exports declined slightly to 3.47 lt from 3.64 lt YoY. Despite the dip, India continues to have a price advantage. The current FOB price of rapeseed meal (Kandla) stands at $200 per tonne, significantly lower than $290 per tonne in Hamburg, making Indian exports more competitive. This supported rapeseed prices domestically as well.

However, export volumes saw mixed trends across key destinations. South Korea imported 84,966 tonnes, significantly lower than 1.66 lt last year. China and Bangladesh remained strong buyers, importing 1.17 lt and 1.02 lt, respectively, with soyabean and rapeseed meals dominating the mix. Europe also saw notable imports, with Germany and France purchasing 58,945 and 16,705 tonnes of soyabean meal, respectively.

Finally

India’s oilmeal export growth remains modest but steady, driven by global feed demand and competitive pricing, particularly in soyabean and rapeseed meals.

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