India’s palm oil imports declined by 24.29% in April 2025, hitting 321,446 metric tons, as reported by the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The total vegetable oil imports dropped to their lowest in over four years at 891,558 tons, with soyoil slightly increasing and sunflower oil also seeing a decline. Lower inventories may push India, the world’s largest vegetable oil buyer, to increase imports in the coming months, potentially influencing global palm and soyoil prices.
India’s imports of palm oil dropped sharply in April 2025, falling by 24.29% month-on-month to 321,446 metric tons, according to the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA),a key industry body headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This decline contributed to total vegetable oil imports plummeting to 891,558 tons—the lowest level recorded since February 2021.
The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, which represents the vegetable oil industry and promotes oilseed processing and trade interests in India, said depleted inventories now sit at their lowest point in nearly five years. This sharp drop may drive a rebound in imports of palm oil and soyoil in the coming months to meet domestic demand.
While palm oil imports dropped significantly, soyoil imports saw a modest rise of 1.6% to 360,984 tons. Sunflower oil imports, on the other hand, declined by 5.5% to 180,128 tons.
India is the world’s largest importer of vegetable oils, and fluctuations in its buying patterns often influence global market prices. With domestic stocks dwindling, the upcoming months could see increased demand, potentially supporting Malaysian palm oil prices and U.S. soyoil futures.
The SEA noted that the overall market remains sensitive to global price trends and India’s internal consumption patterns as processors and traders adjust strategies to manage stock levels effectively.
