SOYBEAN IMPORTS
No water to sow, no respite at the grocery store: India's prolonged food inflation worry
Indian farmers face challenges in sowing winter crops amid dwindling water supplies from a weak monsoon. Amarsingh Gushinge's village experiences a significant rainfall deficit, impacting crop planting decisions. Food inflation could worsen as key staples see rising prices, aggravating the economic strain on households. The Reserve Bank of India may respond with interest rate hikes to combat rising inflationary pressures.
IIT Kharagpur and Absolute launch Smart Scout AI project for soybean farming
Absolute and IIT Kharagpur are developing an early warning system for soybean farmers to minimize crop losses. The Smart Scout project aims to detect lodging risks, assess damage, and estimate yields using artificial intelligence. This initiative is part of the Quad-backed AI-ENGAGE program focusing on agricultural innovations. Pilot trials will be conducted across major soybean-growing states in India over the next three years.
India may import more food, feed and farm commodities as drought hits crops
Amid predictions of drought in India this financial year, food and agricultural imports are anticipated to rise sharply. With serious reductions in kharif soybean and groundnut production, import requests are growing. The sugar and poultry industries are grappling with soaring feed costs, prompting an extension for raw sugar imports to be granted.
India's soybean imports surge to record as domestic prices rally
India's soybean imports significantly increased to 1.1 million metric tons in 2025/26 compared to the previous year. Rising domestic prices prompted Indian mills to enhance their overseas purchases of soybeans. The majority of these imports originated from Niger, which became the largest exporter to India.
US, Brazil and Israel elections put India’s trade worth billions in focus
Recent elections in the US, Brazil, and Israel may impact India's trade negotiations and economic partnerships. The US is close to finalizing a trade pact, which could affect Indian exports significantly. Brazil's growing economic relationship with India is leading to ambitious trade targets between the two nations. In Israel, the continuation of defense cooperation and negotiations for a free trade agreement are crucial for India.
India’s ‘dear friend’ is back in power in Brazil, and a $30 billion trade opportunity is on the table
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election, pledging to deepen the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership. Bilateral trade rose 25% to $15.21 billion in 2025, with Lula setting a target of $30 billion.
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Brazil stock market to crash today? What Lula’s surprise victory in elections means for emerging markets, commodities
Brazil’s stock market faces a potential sharp selloff after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s surprise election victory dashed investor hopes of a change in government and fiscal policy. Analysts warn of possible circuit breakers as the real weakens and soybean futures slide, with emerging markets also watching the fallout.
In 2019, Purdue began growing corn and soybeans around solar panels in Indiana; after 4 years, even the most shaded corn plots lost only 7.7 percent of their yield
Purdue University researchers have been examining how solar panels affect crop production since 2019, particularly focusing on corn and soybeans, two key crops in America. Their experiments show that significant crop yields are still possible despite shading from solar arrays. The study aims to refine solar panel designs that provide energy while also benefiting agriculture, paving the way for solar energy to support irrigation and farming operations.
In 2024, Rutgers planted soybeans between solar panels in New Jersey; the first harvest found no significant yield difference between two solar panel designs
Rutgers University recently performed a groundbreaking experiment on agrivoltaics to assess soybean yield productivity beneath solar panels. The results were promising, as both single and double-panel systems outperformed non-panel plots. However, given the preliminary data, ongoing research is crucial. The unique dry conditions experienced in 2024 required additional irrigation, influencing the experiment's results. Continued evaluation will uncover the long-term potential of integrating agriculture with solar energy.
Import of GM soybeans into India should not be allowed at all, say processors
Processors across India are urging the government to impose a ban on the import of genetically modified soybeans from abroad. They argue that such imports could harm local farmers and make the economy overly dependent on foreign sources.
India's edible oil imports dip 7 pc to 15.44 lakh ton in Sep: SEA
India's edible oil imports fell by 7 percent in September, totaling 15.44 lakh tonnes. The decline was attributed to a sharp decrease in crude sunflower oil shipments, which dropped significantly. However, total edible oil imports increased by 3 percent for the first eleven months of the oil year. Refined oil imports saw a notable decline, while crude edible oil imports rose substantially during the same period.
Edible oil refiners set to clock 10-12% revenue growth in FY27 despite duty cut: Report
Edible oil refiners are projected to achieve a revenue growth of 10-12% this financial year. The recent cut in import duties on crude edible oil is expected to temper industry realisations moderately. Elevated global edible oil prices along with strong consumption support this anticipated revenue increase. Consumer demand is expected to grow amid improving affordability and upcoming festive seasons.
India customs scrutiny diverts Niger soybeans to Asia at steep discounts, sources say
Around 11,000 metric tons of Niger-origin soybeans bound for India were diverted to other Asian markets and sold at steep discounts as a widening customs probe into suspected import tax evasion deterred Indian buyers, four trade sources said on Thursday.
From lassi to walnuts, Harvard doctor names foods and drinks to add to your diet to age healthily
Harvard gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi has shared foods and drinks to include in a diet for healthy ageing. His recommendations include black coffee, green tea, matcha, lassi, Greek yoghurt, eggs, salmon, lentils, edamame, oats, barley, berries, sweet potatoes and beans. He also highlighted healthy fats such as extra-virgin olive oil, walnuts, chia seeds, ground flaxseed and avocado as part of a balanced diet.
India holds soybean cargoes over doubts about Niger origin, sources say
Indian customs authorities have held about 1,500 tonnes of soybean cargoes at JNPT after importers failed to provide documents proving the shipments originated in Niger and qualified for duty-free entry. The scrutiny follows a sharp surge in soybean imports declared as coming from Niger and concerns that Nigerian beans may have been mis-declared to avoid import duties.
Building the route to India: Russian oil and mineral water producers expand overseas
Ecooil and Akva-Kristall are strategically enhancing export ties with Indian buyers. Leveraging their strong infrastructure for production, quality assurance, and logistics, Ecooil is set to boost sunflower oil exports, while Akva-Kristall is launching its premium mineral water to Indian consumers. The success of these ventures hinges on reliable delivery and maintaining high-quality standards, emphasizing the rising demand for Russian products in India.
India and US trade deal still has a few stubborn cards to play: Fitch unit
Negotiations between India and the US have encountered significant sticking points affecting market access and agriculture. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer noted the identification of all key issues during talks. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned that negotiations have reached a plateau with limited opportunities for further concessions. India is advocating for more preferential access for its exports. Meanwhile, Washington seeks increased access to the Indian market, especially in agricultural sectors.
Is your used kitchen oil the future of aviation? Kelantan innovators turn UCO into sustainable jet fuel
Your used kitchen oil can also power a jet! These Malaysian innovators are now turning waste into renewable energy - Meet Arjuna Dharma Global co-founders Muhammad Arif Arman Suddin and his friend Mohammad Azhan Shamsu Anuar who're converting used kitchen oil into aviation fuel, and turning it into a successful business.
Niger or Nigeria? India probes soybean imports over suspected tax evasion, sources say
Indian customs officials are currently examining a notable uptick in soybean imports, which are purportedly sourced from Niger. Authorities suspect that these shipments are actually originating from Nigeria to avoid applicable tariffs. As a result, importers must now validate the authenticity of their cargoes or incur significant duties. This scrutiny has effectively paused purchases labeled as from Niger, leading to potential delays for goods en route and altering trade dynamics.
Double trouble at the dinner table: When will food prices normalise for Indians?
India’s food inflation: Food prices are rising unevenly, impacting household budgets, while inflation is projected to persist in upcoming months. Economists expect food inflation to reach up to 7% in the near future due to various factors. Weather risks, particularly from El Niño, could significantly affect crop yields and consequently food prices. Additionally, global events in West Asia contribute to higher energy and logistic costs.
Industry body urges cooking oil firms to pass on import duty cut to consumers as festive season nears
Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association calls on companies to reduce retail prices following recent government duty cuts. The duty reductions aim to provide consumers relief during the approaching festive season when demand rises. Companies are expected to submit their retail pricing weekly to ensure transparency in the market. Global price volatility has affected domestic edible oil prices, contributing to inflation pressures on consumers.
Trump’s diesel squeeze may put Indian refiners in a sweet spot, and a bind
A potential US diesel export ban could worsen an already tight global fuel market by removing about 1.2 million barrels a day of supply at a time when Middle Eastern, Russian and Chinese exports are constrained. Europe would be particularly exposed, while India could gain export opportunities for its refiners but also face higher crude and domestic fuel costs as global buyers compete for scarce diesel.
The biggest jump in global crop prices since 2022 threatens to boost inflation
Global agricultural prices have jumped notably due to growing tensions in the Black Sea affecting supply routes, coupled with adverse weather impacting yields. The Bloomberg Agriculture Spot Index surged by 13%, its highest quarterly growth since March 2022. Meanwhile, China's substantial purchases of American soybeans are altering grain trade dynamics.
India steps up palm oil buying as tax cut spurs restocking
India is increasing its palm oil imports after reducing import duties, prompting refiners to restock. More than 200,000 tons of crude palm oil have been bought recently as inventories run low. The government cut taxes on edible oil imports, adding urgency to the purchases. This buying activity is crucial ahead of the Diwali festival and the wedding season.
Pest resistance is forcing India’s crop-protection firms to rethink product strategies: Insecticides India MD
Resistance to chemicals and formulations is an evolving challenge, particularly in crops where the same pest pressures persist over multiple seasons, said Rajesh Aggarwal, MD of Insecticides (India).
Pulses import duties may ease over poor rains
At present, imports of chana attract a 10% duty, while yellow peas are subject to a 30% duty. Tur and urad imports are allowed duty-free until March 31, 2027. The proposed reduction in duties on chana and yellow peas would be to improve domestic availability and contain prices. Prices of chana, moong, matar and tur have risen by up to 10% over the past month, with a 3-5% spike in the past week, as concerns over crop prospects combine with higher festive demand.
Agriculture sector binds India-Argentina partnership
Argentine Ambassador Mariano Caucino highlighted the growing economic relationship between Argentina and India during a summit in Mumbai. Agriculture, particularly edible oils, serves as a core area of cooperation between the two countries. Argentina is experiencing record supplies of edible oils, significantly contributing to India's food security. In 2025, exports of soybean oil and sunflower products to India are expected to increase substantially.
China factory activity returns to growth in September as AI boom supports industry
China's manufacturing sector showed signs of recovery with a manufacturing purchasing managers' index of 50.1 in September. This marks an improvement from the previous month's reading of 49.8, indicating a rebound in factory activity. Easing weather disruptions and a boost from the global AI industry contributed to this growth. Policymakers are under pressure to implement further support measures as economic readings remain soft.
Food Ministry asks edible oil firms to pass on full benefit of import duty cuts
The Food Ministry has requested edible oil companies to reduce distributor prices following recent import duty reductions. This directive aims to ensure consumers receive the full benefit of the cuts in import tariffs. The duty reductions are part of efforts to control inflation and stabilise domestic cooking oil prices. India's vegetable oil imports have risen, indicating increased demand influenced by factors like a weaker rupee.
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