Oilmeal Export Down 11% in 2024-25: SEA

18-Apr-2025 12:08 PM

Oilmeal Export Down 11% in 2024-25: SEA
★ March 2025 oilmeal exports stood at 4.09 lakh tonnes, a 3% increase compared to 3.95 lakh tonnes in March 2024.
★ For the entire financial year, exports declined by 11%, totaling 43.4 lakh tonnes, down from 48.9 lakh tonnes last year.
★ In terms of FOB (Free on Board) value, there was a 21% decline.
★ Due to a shortage of mustard meal in the European Union, global prices have increased.
★ China, which traditionally imports mustard meal from Canada and the EU, could emerge as a potential market for India. While global mustard meal is priced at $335/tonne, Indian mustard meal is available at just $209/tonne.
→ If China relaxes import norms, it could create a major export opportunity for India.
★ The Indian government banned DORB (De-Oiled Rice Bran) exports in July 2023 as domestic prices surged to ₹18,000/tonne. Prices have now fallen to below ₹8,000/tonne.
★ The use of DDGS (Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles) has also reduced DORB demand, leading to large stockpiles.
→ The SEA (Solvent Extractors' Association) has appealed to the government to lift the ban to revive exports and support the industry.
★ In 2024-25, soybean meal exports were 21.27 lakh tonnes, nearly the same as last year’s 21.33 lakh tonnes, supported by strong demand for non-GM soymeal from Europe.
★ Mustard meal exports stood at 18.75 lakh tonnes, down from 22.13 lakh tonnes last year due to price drops and weak demand.
Major Importing Countries:
★ Bangladesh – 7.42 lakh tonnes (5.88 lakh tonnes mustard meal, 1.54 lakh tonnes soybean meal)
★ South Korea – 6.99 lakh tonnes (4.62 lakh tonnes mustard meal, 1.80 lakh tonnes castor seed meal, 0.57 lakh tonnes soybean meal)
★ Thailand – 4.48 lakh tonnes (4.05 lakh tonnes mustard meal, 0.31 lakh tonnes soybean meal)
★ Iran, Germany, France – Together imported 5.79 lakh tonnes of soybean meal