India’s oilmeal exports recovered in May 2026, increasing 18.41% year on year to 3.73 lakh tonnes. Stronger rapeseed meal shipments, led by demand from China and other Asian feed markets, supported the rebound.
The recovery followed a difficult April, when shipping disruptions, higher freight costs and competition from South American suppliers affected export volumes.
Key Highlights
- India exported 3.73 lakh tonnes of oilmeal in May 2026.
- Export volume increased 18.41% compared with May 2025.
- Rapeseed meal was the principal contributor to the growth.
- China emerged as an important market for Indian rapeseed and canola meal.
- Soybean meal exports remained under pressure from Brazil and Argentina.
- April–May 2026 exports declined 5.37% to 7.39 lakh tonnes.
- Oilmeal export value increased 24.61% in May 2026.
- High freight rates and shipping-route disruptions continue to affect competitiveness.
Rapeseed Meal Drives the May Recovery
Rapeseed meal accounted for much of the improvement in India’s oilmeal export performance. Growing demand from China helped Indian exporters increase shipments after the weaker start to the financial year.
Trade-flow data identified the India–China corridor as the largest reported route for canola meal shipments during May. This indicates that China is becoming increasingly important to India’s oilmeal exporters.
Rapeseed meal is widely used as a protein-rich ingredient in animal feed. Its competitive pricing and availability are helping Indian suppliers find buyers across Asian markets.
Oilmeal Export Performance
Period
Export volume
Year-on-year change
May 2026
3.73 lakh tonnes
0.1841
April–May 2026
7.39 lakh tonnes
−5.37%
April–May 2025
7.81 lakh tonnes
-
April–May 2025
Not specified
24.61%
Although May recorded strong growth, India’s total oilmeal exports for April–May 2026 remained below the previous year’s level. This was mainly due to the decline recorded in April.
Based on the reported cumulative figures, April 2026 exports were approximately 3.66 lakh tonnes, compared with an estimated 4.66 lakh tonnes in April 2025.
Monthly Oilmeal Export Comparison
April and May 2025 figures and April 2026 figures are approximate calculations based on the reported May growth rate and April–May totals.
Soybean Meal Faces Strong Price Competition
India’s soybean meal exporters continue to face difficult international market conditions. Brazil and Argentina have large soybean supplies and can offer soybean meal at competitive prices.
This price difference makes it harder for Indian suppliers to secure orders in cost-sensitive markets. India’s soybean meal export performance will depend on domestic soybean prices, processing costs and the availability of competitively priced supplies from South America.
Freight Costs Affect Export Competitiveness
Logistics costs remain an important concern for Indian oilmeal exporters. Higher ocean freight rates can significantly increase the delivered price of oilmeal, particularly in markets located farther from India.
Disruptions affecting international shipping routes, including the Red Sea corridor, may result in:
- Longer vessel transit times
- Higher freight and insurance costs
- Uncertain shipment schedules
- Increased landed costs for overseas buyers
- Reduced competitiveness in distant markets
These challenges make nearby Asian destinations commercially important for Indian exporters.
What Could Influence Oilmeal Exports?
India’s oilmeal export performance during the remainder of FY27 is likely to be influenced by:
- Rapeseed meal demand from China and other Asian countries
- International soybean meal and rapeseed meal prices
- Soybean availability in Brazil and Argentina
- India’s domestic oilseed production
- Ocean freight rates and vessel availability
- Red Sea and other shipping-route disruptions
- Currency movements and export-price competitiveness
Sustained demand from Asian feed manufacturers could help India recover from the decline recorded during April. However, expensive freight and strong soybean meal competition may continue to limit overall growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much oilmeal did India export in May 2026?
India exported 3.73 lakh tonnes of oilmeal in May 2026, an increase of 18.41% year on year.
What drove the increase in India’s oilmeal exports?
The increase was mainly driven by stronger exports of rapeseed meal, particularly to China and other Asian feed markets.
Which country was an important buyer of Indian rapeseed meal?
China emerged as an important destination. The India–China trade corridor was the largest reported route for canola meal shipments in May.
Why are India’s soybean meal exports under pressure?
Indian soybean meal faces price competition from Brazil and Argentina, where large soybean crops allow exporters to offer more competitive prices.
Did India’s cumulative oilmeal exports increase in April–May 2026?
No. Oilmeal exports during April–May 2026 declined 5.37% to 7.39 lakh tonnes, compared with 7.81 lakh tonnes during the same period a year earlier.
How do freight rates affect oilmeal exports?
Higher freight rates increase the delivered cost of Indian oilmeal. This makes exports less competitive, especially in distant international markets.
