Exports of oilmeals for the month of Februaryis down by 22 per cent to 257,961 tonne compared to the same month last year.The overall export of oilmeals in the period April 2025 – February 2026 is down by 11 per to 3,493,823 tonne as compared to the same period of the previous fiscal
SEA said that the shipping companies are avoiding the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, causing detours that increase transit times and costs, which threatens the continuity of oilmeal exports to Middle East and Europe. Some reports indicate that exports of certain agricultural commodities to the Middle East are already on hold, it said.
The conflict has caused a surge in crude oil prices (crossing $100 per barrel) and increased insurance premiums for vessels, making shipments costlier and less viable. The forced detour around the Cape of Good Hope adds 10–15 days to shipping journeys, causing delays and container shortages. The industry is particularly concerned that sustained conflict will continue to hinder shipments, impacting India’s overall agricultural including oilmeals export competitiveness in its key markets.
Indian rapeseed meal exports had surged during the year driven by so far massive demand from China and competitive pricing against European suppliers, with high protein content making it ideal for animal feed. China has seen a dramatic increase in purchases, with imports exceeding 7.7 lakh tons in Apr.’25–Feb.’26. Indian rapeseed meal is currently priced around US$ 225 per ton making it cheaper than rapeseed meal from other countries. India’s exports temporarily decline in early 2026 due to lower crushing before new crop arrivals.
In March 2025, China imposed a 100% tariff on Canadian rapeseed meal and oil in retaliation for Canada’s tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. These duties made Canadian exports economically unviable forcing China to look to other suppliers and India was the main beneficiary to bridge the supply gap. However, as of 1st March 2026, China has suspended these 100% tariffs on Canadian Canola (rapeseed) meal, lasting until 31st December,2026 as part of trade thawing efforts. In the current year from Apr.’25 to Feb.’26 China has bought about 7.7 lakh tonne of rapeseed meal in absence of canola meal supply however, with the suspension of 100% tariff with effect from 1st March, 2026 export of Indian rapeseed meal shall face turf competition to retain China market.
Indian soybean meal export during four months of new oil year (Nov.’25 to Feb.’26) reported at 473,385 tonne compared 916,906 tonne during the same period of last year – down by 48% due to high price of Indian soybean meal in international market currently at US$ 483 per tonne. The overall export of soybean meal during Apr.’25 to Feb.’26 is reported at 14.92 lakh tonne compared to 19.40 lakh tonne during the same period of last year – down by 23%.