India’s soybean meal exports witnessed a sharp decline of nearly 63% in March, falling to around 60,000 tonnes compared to 1.62 lakh tonnes in the same period last year, reflecting the impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The disruption has particularly affected key export markets such as Iran, the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman, where trade flows have slowed due to regional instability.
In addition to logistical challenges, higher domestic prices have made Indian soybean meal less competitive in the global market compared to supplies from countries like Brazil, Argentina, and the United States. This has further constrained export volumes, limiting India’s ability to capitalize on international demand.
However, the domestic market has shown resilience, with consumption rising to approximately six lakh tonnes in March, supported by steady demand from the animal feed industry. The trend indicates a growing reliance on the domestic feed sector to absorb production amid fluctuating export conditions.
Industry experts suggest that the current scenario underscores the need for strengthening supply chain resilience, improving price competitiveness, and diversifying export markets to mitigate the impact of geopolitical uncertainties on India’s agri-export landscape.
