India’s soybean imports reach record high as African suppliers benefit from strong demand
India‘s soybean imports rose sharply in May as high domestic prices pushed buyers to source non-GM supplies from African countries, creating new opportunities for exporters across the continent.
INDIA – India’s soybean imports climbed to a record level in May as rising local prices pushed traders to increase purchases from African suppliers, according to new data from the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA).
The country imported 200,000 metric tonnes of soybeans in May, up from 121,000 tonnes in April and from zero imports during the same month last year.
The sharp increase came after domestic soybean prices reached their highest level in four years, making imports a more attractive option for buyers.
The rise in purchases has created a strong market for African exporters. Countries such as Benin, Niger, Togo and Nigeria supply non genetically modified soybeans, which India requires under its import rules. These supplies have allowed African sellers to secure prices well above global benchmark levels.
Higher imports could help ease soybean and soymeal prices in India. Soymeal remains a key ingredient in livestock feed and serves as an important input for the country’s poultry sector, which is the largest consumer of soymeal.
The strong buying trend has also led SOPA to revise its soybean import forecast for the marketing year ending September 2026. The industry body now expects imports to reach 900,000 tonnes, up from its earlier estimate of 600,000 tonnes. By comparison, India imported only about 2,000 tonnes during the previous marketing year.
The increase marks a major shift in trade flows. Reuters reported last month that Indian traders had cancelled soymeal export contracts for the first time since 2021 after domestic prices rose sharply. Those higher prices encouraged importers to bring in soybeans from African suppliers instead of relying solely on local production.
The development highlights the growing role African exporters play in meeting demand from major food and feed markets.
As long as India maintains its requirement for non GM soybeans and domestic prices remain firm, African suppliers are likely to remain an important source of supply for the world’s most populous country.
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