Archive · 24 Jul 2025
USSEC Asks Why India Imports Soyabeans from Africa, Not the US
Imagine India needs soyabeans.
Right now, they buy them from places like Africa.
A group called USSEC, who help sell soyabeans from the US, is wondering why India doesn't buy from them too.
India has started buying more soyabeans, which is new.
This is happening while India and the US are talking about a trade deal.
One big question is whether India will allow soyabeans that have been changed in a lab, which they currently don't allow.
India's soyabean buying has gone down recently.
USSEC also pointed out that China used to sell soyabeans, but now buys the most in the world.
The USSEC thinks India will still need to import a lot of vegetable oil.
US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) questions why India imports soyabeans from Africa but not the US.
India has become a net importer of soyabeans, importing between 500,000 and 700,000 tonnes annually, primarily from Africa.
The USSEC's stance arises amid trade negotiations between India and the US, with a reported deadlock over allowing genetically modified (GM) soyabean imports.
India's soyabean imports decreased by 84% in 2024-25 compared to the previous fiscal year.
The USSEC highlights China's shift from a soyabean exporter to the world's largest importer after joining the WTO.
- Who
- The US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is raising the question about India's soyabean imports.
- What
- The USSEC is questioning India's soyabean import sources.
- When
- The statement was made at an edible oil conference in New Delhi on July 24, 2025.
- Where
- The discussion occurred at an edible oil conference in New Delhi, India.
- Why
- The USSEC wants to promote US soyabean exports to India and highlights the potential benefits amid trade negotiations.
India
USSEC
Self-sufficiency in edible oil
India
Self-sufficiency in edible oils may be a goal.
USSEC
The USSEC implies India's goal may not be achievable.
GM crop import
India
India may not allow GM soyabean import.
USSEC
The US wants India to allow GM soyabean import.
- Importer
- India
- Annual Imports (approx.)
- 500,000-700,000 tonnes
- Main import source
- African nations
- 2023-24 Import quantity
- 9.7 lakh tonnes
- 2024-25 Import quantity
- 1.54 lakh tonnes
- US stance
- Wants to export soyabeans to India
- GM crop import
- Not currently allowed by India