China has rapidly emerged as a key destination for Indian oil meal exports, with shipments rising to USD 157 million in 2025, up from just USD 6.1 million in 2024. Over the past decade, exports have increased nearly tenfold, reflecting China’s growing demand for protein-rich feed ingredients used in its livestock, poultry and aquaculture sectors.
Industry experts attribute the surge to India’s competitive pricing of rapeseed and soybean meal, coupled with China’s efforts to diversify feed imports and reduce dependence on traditional suppliers such as the United States, Brazil, Argentina and, more recently, Canada. Restrictions on Canadian canola imports have further created opportunities for Indian exporters to bridge the supply gap.
Oil meal, the protein-rich by-product obtained after extracting oil from oilseeds such as soybean, rapeseed and groundnut, is an important ingredient in animal feed due to its high protein content. Increased demand from China’s expanding livestock industry has strengthened India’s position as a reliable alternative supplier.
The export growth is particularly noteworthy because it occurred despite a decline in India’s overall oil meal exports, which fell from USD 1.48 billion in 2024 to USD 1.16 billion in 2025. China’s share of India’s oil meal exports increased significantly during this period, underscoring its growing importance as a strategic market.
Analysts also view the development as an indicator of gradually improving commercial engagement between India and China. While geopolitical issues remain, agricultural commodities are increasingly facilitating trade cooperation driven by market demand.
