India’s oilmeal exports declined by 21.5% year-on-year in April, reflecting weaker overseas demand and reduced shipment volumes across key oilseed meals, according to data released by the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA).
Total oilmeal exports during April stood at approximately 404,000 tonnes, compared with around 515,000 tonnes in the corresponding month last year. The decline was primarily driven by lower exports of soybean meal and rapeseed meal, amid stiff competition from South American suppliers and fluctuating global feed demand.
Soybean meal, one of India’s major oilmeal export products, witnessed a significant fall in shipments as abundant global supplies and competitive pricing from Brazil and Argentina reduced the attractiveness of Indian exports. Rapeseed meal exports also remained subdued due to softer demand from key importing countries.
Industry experts noted that despite the year-on-year decline, demand from traditional markets such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East and parts of East Asia continues to provide support for India’s oilmeal exports. However, global price volatility, currency movements and ample oilseed production in competing exporting nations are expected to influence export performance in the coming months.
The SEA said the industry remains optimistic that exports could recover as fresh crop arrivals improve availability and international demand strengthens. Market participants are also closely monitoring weather conditions, crop prospects and feed industry requirements, which will play a key role in shaping export trends during the remainder of the marketing season.
Oilmeal exports remain an important contributor to India’s agricultural exports, supplying protein-rich feed ingredients to livestock and aquaculture industries across several international markets.
