Rising Poultry Demand May Spur Imports of US Soymeal
07-Oct-2025 12:31 PM
New Delhi. Although the United States is eyeing the Indian market for its soybean meal and maize, India is nearly self-sufficient in both products.
Nevertheless, allowing the import of American soybean meal may be considered in the future to meet the growing demand in the poultry industry.
However, the government has not yet given any indication to this effect, and trade talks with the United States remain deadlocked.
The Chairman of the Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association states that allowing the import of protein-rich animal feed ingredient (soybean meal) could pave the way for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) between India and the United States.
India may need to import soybean DOC from the United States in the future due to the rapid growth and expansion of the country's poultry industry. However, India is currently self-sufficient in soybean meal.
China has halted the import of soybeans and their products from the United States, causing significant economic losses for American farmers.
China has been the largest buyer of American soybeans, and the closure of this vast market has forced the United States to seek alternative markets for its products.
This search could be fulfilled in India, but the government is unwilling to allow imports because 96 percent of soybeans produced in the United States are GM, while India strictly prohibits the production, import, trade, and use of GM food crops.
The association's chairman states that the Indian government undoubtedly prioritizes the protection of its own interests in trade negotiations, and therefore, no hasty decisions can be made.
The concerns and difficulties of American soybean producers are justified, but the interests of Indian farmers cannot be sacrificed for this.
However, India has previously imported a small amount of soymeal from Argentina. However, the United States is more interested in increasing its soybean exports to India than its own soybeans. Importing soymeal will eliminate the threat to GM soybean production in India. It can be used in poultry industry.