India’s Oilmeal Exports Dip 11% In FY 2024–25 Despite March Uptick: SEA

The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has released provisional data for oilmeal exports, showing a marginal increase in March 2025 but an overall decline for the full financial year 2024–25.

March 2025 Sees 3% Growth In Oilmeal Exports

According to SEA, India exported 409,148 tons of oilmeals in March 2025, marking a 3% rise compared to 395,382 tons shipped in March 2024.

This marginal growth came as a welcome development after consistent declines in earlier months.

Full-Year Oilmeal Exports Decline By 11%

Despite the March uptick, India’s total oilmeal exports for the fiscal year April 2024 to March 2025 fell by 11%.

The total exports stood at 4,342,498 tons, compared to 4,885,437 tons in the same period the previous year.

SEA attributed the decline mainly to reduced demand and lower shipments of rapeseed meal and castorseed meal, two major components of India’s oilmeal export basket.

Export Revenue Drops 21% In FY 2024–25

In terms of value, the drop was even steeper.

The Free on Board (FOB) value of total oilmeal exports fell sharply by 21%, from ₹15,368 crore in FY 2023–24 to ₹12,171 crore in FY 2024–25.

The sharp decline reflects lower international prices and reduced volumes of high-value meals like rapeseed and castorseed.

Market Dynamics And Global Competition Weigh On Exports

Analysts suggest that stiff global competition, subdued demand from key importing countries, and changing trade dynamics have weighed on India’s oilmeal exports.

Additionally, price competitiveness and logistical challenges may have played a role in the overall slowdown during the year.

Industry experts believe that export performance in the coming fiscal year will depend on global demand trends, price stability, and India’s ability to tap into emerging markets.

The SEA is expected to continue monitoring export trends and working with stakeholders to revive growth in the sector.

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