The export of oil meals more than doubled in December 2016 mainly driven by high demand of non-genetically modified (GMO) soybean meal from France. As per data compiled by Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, the country exported 194,309 tons in December 2016, an increase of 130% from 84,218 tons reported same period last year. France imported 106,708 tons of oilmeals as compared to 1,956 tons last year, consisting of 103,650 tons of soybean meal and 3,058 tons of castor meal.
The overall export of oilmeals was however down by 13% at 856,798 tonnes during April to December 2016 period as compared to 987,842 tonnes during the same period of last year. Among the major importers of oilmeals from India, South Korea’s import during April-December period declined to 452,099 tons from 616,691 tonnes in the corresponding period last year.
Similarly, other importing countries like Vietnam saw their imports dwindling to 120,294 tonnes from 214,028 tonnes last year.