Expectations of Increased Soybean Imports Due to High Domestic Market Prices

Mumbai. Due to a decline in domestic production and persistently high price levels, a significant volume of soybean imports is once again anticipated for the current 2026-27 marketing season. According to the Indore-based Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA),

India’s soybean imports surged to a record high of 1.1 million tonnes (11 lakh tonnes) during the 2025-26 marketing season (October–September), compared to a negligible volume (approximately 2,000 tonnes) in the 2024-25 season. Extremely high domestic market prices compelled crushing and processing units to resort to substantial soybean imports during the 2025-26 season.

It is noteworthy that India only permits the import of conventional (non-GM) soybeans. Consequently, millers and processors avoid sourcing from countries like Argentina, Brazil, or the United States—where GM soybeans are produced—and instead opt for imports from African nations such as Benin, Niger, Togo, and Nigeria, where GM soybeans are not cultivated. During the 2025-26 marketing season, Niger emerged as the largest supplier of soybeans to India, with over 430,000 tonnes (4.30 lakh tonnes) imported from the country.

This massive influx of soybeans from Niger has raised suspicions among Indian Customs officials, prompting an investigation. Authorities suspect that the shipments may have actually originated from Nigeria, with labels indicating they were from Niger—a potential attempt to evade taxes.

The truth behind this matter will only be revealed once the investigation is concluded. According to SOPA, India's soybean meal exports in 2025-26 fell by nearly half compared to 2024-25, settling at around 1 million tonnes, as the offered price was not competitive.