India's soybean meal exports have experienced a decline of 11% during the oil marketing year 2024-25 (October 2024 to September 2025). The total exports amounted to 20.23 lakh tonnes, according to an organisation of processors. This downturn is primarily attributed to the elevated pricing of Indian soybean meal compared to its global competitors.

The Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) had earlier projected a significant decrease in soybean meal exports for the oil year ending September 2025, estimating a total of 18.5 lakh tonnes. This projection, while an upward revision from an earlier estimate of 17 lakh tonnes, still represents a substantial decrease of over 18% compared to the 22.75 lakh tonnes exported in the 2023-24 oil year.

Cumulative export data from October 2024 to July 2025 showed a decline, with 17.08 lakh tonnes exported compared to 19.24 lakh tonnes during the same period in the previous year. While July exports saw a modest increase of approximately 1% compared to the previous year, the overall trend indicates a reduction in demand.

The price of Indian origin soybean meal is roughly $100 per tonne more expensive compared to other major suppliers in the global market. This price difference has deterred buyers, particularly in Southeast Asia, impacting India's export volumes.

Several factors contribute to the challenges faced by the Indian soybean and edible oil industry. Global issues such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East have created uncertainty. Fluctuations in international demand and competitive pricing pressures further exacerbate the situation.

Despite the export challenges, SOPA has increased its estimate for soybean crushing to 113 lakh tonnes from an earlier estimate of 110 lakh tonnes.

Germany, France, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Kenya led the charge in imports. In the past, Nepal and France have emerged as major importers of soy meal from India.