Call to Boost Export of Non-GM Soybean and Soymeal to US

23-Apr-2025 08:47 PM

Mumbai. The Solvent Extractors Association of India has urged the Central Government to press the US to allow Indian organic non-GM soybean and soymeal exports as part of the ongoing bilateral trade talks.

The Association highlighted that Indian shipments to the US have nearly stopped due to the safeguard duty imposed by the American government.

Earlier, India used to export 1.50–2.00 lakh tonnes of organic soybean and soymeal to the US annually. However, under pressure from American producers, the US government imposed safeguard duties, severely impacting Indian exports.

The Association pointed out that India produces non-GM soybean, which is in demand in several countries, while the US mainly produces genetically modified (GM) varieties.

It urged the Commerce Ministry to negotiate removal of these duties, especially as agricultural goods like soybean, soymeal, and maize are key items in the bilateral trade talks.

Industry experts argue that if the US seeks trade concessions from India, it must also offer duty relief on Indian agricultural exports to ensure a balanced and fair agreement.