News Capsule: India’s Oilmeal Exports Rise 19% in May, China Demand Provides Support
19-Aug-2026 11:59 AM
News Capsule: India’s Oilmeal Exports Rise 19% in May, China Demand Provides Support
★ According to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), India’s oilmeal exports rose 19% year-on-year to 373,907 tonnes in May 2026, compared with 315,326 tonnes in May 2025. However, total exports during April-May 2026 declined 5% to 739,467 tonnes from 781,189 tonnes in the same period last year.
★ Exports recovered in May after a 21.5% decline in April, which was affected by Red Sea shipping disruptions and high freight costs. Strong demand for Indian rapeseed meal from China helped offset declines in other product categories.
★ During April-May, China imported 276,147 tonnes of Indian oilmeals, up sharply from 117,388 tonnes last year. Rapeseed meal accounted for 273,533 tonnes of these imports. Bangladesh imported 102,100 tonnes, while Vietnam imported 80,231 tonnes.
★ As of August 14, soybean acreage stood at 12.1 million hectares, slightly below 12.3 million hectares last year. Groundnut acreage increased to 4.803 million hectares from 4.701 million hectares. Final yields and production will depend on weather conditions in the coming months.
★ Higher soybean meal prices and strong competition from South American and European suppliers continue to weigh on India’s export competitiveness. Rising DDGS supplies are partly compensating for the shortage of soybean meal in the domestic market.