India’s oilmeal exports took a significant hit, dropping 42% year-on-year to 260,123 tonnes in January 2026. This decline comes as shipments of soybean and rapeseed meals fell sharply, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA). In comparison, January 2025 saw exports reach 452,352 tonnes. For the April-January 2025-26 period, total oilmeal exports decreased from 3.6 million tonnes to 3.2 million tonnes.
Oilmeals, primarily used for animal feed, faced setbacks this month. Soybean meal exports fell to 132,440 tonnes in January 2026, down from 286,287 tonnes a year earlier. Similarly, rapeseed meal shipments dropped to 64,782 tonnes from 131,641 tonnes. Groundnut meal exports also fell, coming in at just 1,067 tonnes compared to 2,636 tonnes the previous year.
Interestingly, rice bran extraction saw an increase, soaring to 35,367 tonnes in January 2026, a significant leap from just 63 tonnes in January 2025. The SEA noted that the decline in rapeseed meal exports is largely due to reduced processing activity, as producers are waiting for fresh crops expected in the coming months.
In terms of pricing, Indian rapeseed meal is currently valued at ₹20,300 per tonne in Kandla. This is an increase from ₹18,500 in late 2025, albeit down from a peak of ₹21,617 in January. In U.S. dollar terms, the price stands at $235 per tonne, while the European Union-origin meal is priced higher at $276 per tonne in Hamburg.
Key buyers of Indian oilmeals include China, South Korea, Bangladesh, and Germany, indicating a diverse international market.
To put this into perspective, the decrease in oilmeal exports echoes trends from previous years. For instance, in 2024, similar challenges arose due to global supply chain issues and fluctuating demand. Industry experts suggest that adapting to these changing conditions is crucial for maintaining export levels in the future.
According to a recent survey by the Indian Trade Promotion Organization, 60% of exporters are optimistic about future trading conditions, indicating potential for recovery. Engaging with markets more effectively may help bolster exports in the upcoming months.
For further insights on India’s export trends, you can refer to SEA’s official report.
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