India Increasingly Turns to China for Edible Oil Imports
27-Mar-2026 11:34 AM
India Increasingly Turns to China for Edible Oil Imports
★ Amid a 10% to 15% rise in edible oil prices in India, the country is increasing its imports from China.
★ The West Asia conflict has disrupted trade routes, leading to higher freight and insurance costs. As a result, buyers are shifting towards alternative suppliers such as China.
★ Between November 2025 and February 2026, India imported 14,963 tons of palm oil and 175,502 tons of crude soybean oil from China—significantly higher compared to the total 36,000 tons imported from China in the year ending October 2025.
★ Soybean oil from China is priced at around $1,100 per ton, making it cheaper than supplies from Argentina. Additionally, the shorter distance helps reduce shipping costs.
★ This emerging trade trend is likely to continue, as it helps maintain supply in India and supports price stability in the domestic market.