Meal Deal: China’s Growing Appetite Sends India’s Rapeseed Exports Soaring

India is poised to significantly increase rapeseed meal exports to China in 2025/26 financial year, with volumes anticipated to reach 500,000 tonnes compared to just 60,759 tonnes in the previous year, industry sources added.

 

The boom is a result of a combination of competitive prices, strong local production, and a changing global trade trend. Indian rapeseed meal is currently quoted at around $202 per tonne (Ex-Kandla FAS), which is significantly lower than the world benchmark of $308 per tonne (Ex-Hamburg).

 

China, the biggest consumer of rapeseed meal as animal feed, has traditionally been importing its supplies from the EU and Canada. Drawing tighter supplies and higher prices in these regions—combined with China's imposition in March 2025 of a 100% tariff on Canadian canola products—gave Indian exporters an opening.

 

The Solvent Extractors' Association (SEA) has requested the Ministry of Commerce of India to bargain with China to relax import restrictions, since merely three Indian factories are registered with China's customs for exporting rapeseed meal.

 

If these administrative restrictions are relaxed, India can not only regain but gain more market share in the Chinese market, giving a long-awaited fillip to oilseed processors in the country and mustard cultivators.

 

Sources: Business Standard, iGrain