Soymeal Exports from India Set to Hit 4-Year Low Amid Price Surge

India’s soymeal exports are expected to decline sharply in the 2025/26 season, potentially falling to a four-year low as rising domestic prices and global competition reshape trade flows. Export volumes are projected to drop to around 900,000 metric tons, compared to 2.02 million tons last year, marking a significant contraction in the sector.

Industry experts report that soybean prices in India have surged nearly 47% within a single month, severely impacting the competitiveness of Indian oilseed meal exports in global markets. This sharp price increase has prompted buyers across Asia to shift procurement toward South American suppliers such as Brazil and Argentina, where pricing remains more stable and cost-effective.

The decline in shipments highlights broader challenges in India agriculture, particularly the imbalance between domestic demand and export availability. Strong consumption from the livestock feed industry, especially poultry and dairy sectors, has tightened domestic supply, leaving limited surplus for overseas markets.

Analysts also point out that rising input costs and constrained soybean availability are affecting agricultural commodity exports, reducing India’s share in the global feed market. Exporters are facing pressure on margins as they struggle to remain competitive against lower-priced international alternatives.

With global buyers increasingly diversifying supply sources, India’s position in India trade of soy-based products may remain under pressure unless production improves or global price disparities narrow. For now, the outlook suggests continued weakness in export performance, with South America gaining a stronger foothold in the protein meal segment.