Indore, Apr 14 (PTI) India's soybean meal exports fell nearly 63 percent to 60,000 tonnes in March due to high prices and the conflict in West Asia, a processors' association said on Tuesday.

According to the Soybean Processors Association of India (SOPA) estimates, 1.62 lakh tonnes of soybean meal had been exported in March 2025.

Soybean meal is left after soybean oil is extracted in processing plants. It is a significant source of protein and used to produce food products like soy flour and soybean chunks, as well as animal feed and poultry and fish feed.

SOPA Executive Director D N Pathak told PTI that Indian soybean meal prices have remained higher than those in other major exporting countries like the US, Brazil and Argentina for a long time.

"Due to the conflict in West Asia, the supply of Indian soybean meal to countries like Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, and Oman has been disrupted, increasing pressure on exports," Pathak said.

However, domestic consumption of soybean meal remained strong in March. According to SOPA estimates, soybean meal consumption in India rose to six lakh tons last month, up from five lakh tons in March 2025.

It indicated that the domestic animal feed industry is supporting demand for soybean meal.

The conflict in West Asia began after the US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. PTI HWP MAS KRK

Soybean meal exports slump as West Asia disruption and high domestic prices weigh on India's trade performance. India's soybean meal exports declined sharply in March because of persistently higher domestic prices and disruption in West Asia trade routes. Export volumes fell to about 60,000 tonnes from 1.62 lakh tonnes in the corresponding prior year month, with supply to Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Oman reported as affected by the regional conflict. Domestic consumption remained strong, rising to six lakh tonnes from five lakh tonnes a year earlier, supported by the animal feed industry.