Sharp Decline in Soymeal Exports Due to Non-Competitive Pricing

17-Jul-2026 12:48 PM

Mumbai: High and rising soybean prices in domestic wholesale markets have significantly increased the cost of producing soymeal. Consequently, export offer prices have become non-competitive and unattractive in the international market compared to other major supplier nations like Argentina, Brazil, and the USA. According to a report by the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA),

the country exported 62,844 tonnes of soy DOC (de-oiled cake) in April 2026, a sharp drop from the 230,743 tonnes shipped in April 2025. The average Free-on-Board (FOB) export offer price for soymeal at Indian ports has been steadily rising; it stood at $477 per tonne in April 2026, climbed to $594 per tonne in May, and surged to $621 per tonne in June 2026.

Indian soymeal's export offer price is approximately $190 per tonne higher than that of rival suppliers—a significant margin for importers. India produces non-GM (genetically modified) soybeans and soymeal, which results in higher offer prices compared to other exporting nations.

Importers typically show interest when the price differential is between $50 and $100 per tonne; however, when this gap widens to $150–$200 per tonne, the product loses its appeal—particularly in South and Southeast Asia—thereby adversely affecting exports.