India Soybean Oil HS1507 Import Data 2025 March Overview

India Soybean Oil (HS 1507) 2025 March Import: Key Takeaways

India's soybean oil imports (HS Code 1507) in March 2025 surged, driven by bulk commodity-grade purchases from Argentina, which dominated 45.12% of import value and 57.58% of weight, reflecting high-volume, low-cost sourcing. Nepal emerged as a secondary supplier, likely offering crude or lower-grade oil at competitive prices. The heavy reliance on Argentina highlights supply chain vulnerability, urging diversification to mitigate geopolitical or price risks. This analysis, based on cleanly processed Customs data from the yTrade database, reveals a concentrated buyer landscape and underscores the need for flexible contracts amid rising demand.

India Soybean Oil (HS 1507) 2025 March Import Background

What is HS Code 1507?

HS Code 1507 covers Soybean oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. It is a staple edible oil widely used in food processing, cooking, and industrial applications like biodiesel. Global demand remains stable due to its affordability and versatility, making it a key commodity in India's import basket.

Current Context and Strategic Position

In March 2025, India maintained a 45% basic customs duty on Soybean oil imports (HS Code 1507), with additional IGST and surcharges, as per recent notifications [Cybex]. Despite high import volumes, no new regulatory changes were introduced during the analysis period. India's reliance on Soybean oil imports underscores its strategic importance to meet domestic demand, necessitating close monitoring of global price trends and trade policies. This makes India Soybean oil HS Code 1507 Import 2025 March a critical focus for market stakeholders.

India Soybean Oil (HS 1507) 2025 March Import: Trend Summary

Key Observations

In March 2025, India's soybean oil imports under HS Code 1507 reached a value of $1.07 billion with a volume of 297.59 million kg, marking a significant monthly performance.

Price and Volume Dynamics

Compared to February 2025, March saw a 16.8% increase in value from $915.73 million and a substantial 132.5% surge in volume from 128 million kg. This volume spike aligns with typical seasonal stock replenishment cycles in India's edible oil sector, often driven by pre-fiscal year-end inventory builds and steady domestic consumption demand. The implied price per kg decreased, suggesting improved supply conditions or competitive global pricing supporting higher import volumes.

External Context and Outlook

The import surge is consistent with broader trends reported by GTAIC, which highlighted a 62.16% volume growth in soybean oil imports for January-June 2025 year-over-year. Stable import policies, including a 45% basic customs duty as noted by Cybex, facilitated this activity. Moving forward, sustained demand and potential adjustments in global oilseed markets will likely shape India's import trajectory for soybean oil.

India Soybean Oil (HS 1507) 2025 March Import: HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

In March 2025, India's import of Soybean oil under HS Code 1507 is dominated by crude oil. According to yTrade data, crude soybean oil (HS 15071000) holds over 80% of the import value and weight, with a unit price of 3.67 USD per kilogram. A minor sub-code for other soybean oil (HS 15079090) shows an extreme price anomaly at 15.06 USD per kilogram, but it is isolated due to its negligible share and not considered in the main analysis.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The non-anomalous imports split into two clear categories: crude soybean oil (HS 15071000) and other processed oils like refined variants (HS 15079010). Both have similar unit prices around 3.3-3.7 USD per kilogram, indicating a trade in fungible bulk commodities where pricing is likely tied to global indices rather than product differentiation.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

The heavy reliance on crude soybean oil imports suggests limited pricing power for Indian buyers, as markets are commodity-driven. [DFPD] reports duty reductions on crude oils, which may further increase import volumes but keep prices competitive. For HS Code 1507, importers should focus on securing bulk contracts aligned with index trends.

Check Detailed HS 1507 Breakdown

India Soybean Oil (HS 1507) 2025 March Import: Market Concentration

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

In March 2025, India's soybean oil imports under HS Code 1507 were highly concentrated, with Argentina as the dominant supplier, accounting for 45.12% of import value and 57.58% of weight. The lower value ratio compared to weight ratio suggests Argentina supplies bulk, commodity-grade oil at a lower unit price, around estimated USD 2.83 per kg, indicating high-volume, low-cost sourcing for India.

Partner Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

Two main clusters emerge: first, Argentina and Nepal, where Nepal's high quantity share (93.74%) but lower value (17.50%) points to imports of crude or lower-grade soybean oil, possibly due to cost advantages. Second, the United States, Brazil, and Iraq form a cluster with moderate value shares, reflecting their roles as established soybean producers with competitive pricing. Minor suppliers like Russia and Togo show niche or transit-related imports with smaller volumes.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

The heavy reliance on Argentina and Nepal for bulk imports underscores supply chain vulnerability to geopolitical or price shifts. India should diversify sources to mitigate risks, leveraging duty reductions on crude oils noted in policy updates [DFPD]. Market players must monitor global price trends and secure flexible contracts to capitalize on high demand growth, as imports surged significantly in early 2025 [GTAIC].

Table: India Soybean Oil (HS 1507) Top Partner Countries (Source: yTrade)

Get Complete Partner Countries Profile

India Soybean Oil (HS 1507) 2025 March Import: Action Plan for Soybean Oil Market Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

India's Soybean oil Import market for March 2025 under HS Code 1507 is commodity-driven. Price is set by global indices and bulk supply from Argentina and Nepal. High buyer concentration among frequent, large-volume importers creates reliance on steady bulk contracts. This structure emphasizes supply security but increases vulnerability to geopolitical or price shifts. Duty reductions on crude oils may boost volumes but maintain competitive pricing.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Soybean oil Market Execution

• Monitor real-time unit prices from Argentina and Nepal to lock in contracts during price dips, securing cost advantages for bulk HS Code 1507 shipments.
• Use buyer frequency data to identify stock cycles and align deliveries, preventing inventory overstock and ensuring consistent supply for high-volume clients.
• Diversify sources beyond Argentina by analyzing minor supplier trends, reducing geopolitical risks and creating flexible sourcing options for India Soybean oil Import 2025 March.
• Track sub-code anomalies like HS 15079090 for niche opportunities, capturing premium segments without diverting focus from core crude oil demand.
• Leverage import surge reports to forecast demand spikes, adjusting procurement schedules to avoid shortages and capitalize on growing market volumes.

Take Action Now —— Explore India Soybean oil Import Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is driving the recent changes in India Soybean oil Import 2025 March?

India's soybean oil imports surged by 132.5% in volume and 16.8% in value from February to March 2025, driven by seasonal stock replenishment and steady domestic demand. The price per kg decreased, reflecting improved global supply conditions or competitive pricing.

Q2. Who are the main partner countries in this India Soybean oil Import 2025 March?

Argentina dominates with 45.12% of import value and 57.58% of weight, followed by Nepal (17.50% value, 93.74% weight) and the U.S., Brazil, and Iraq as moderate suppliers.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across India Soybean oil Import 2025 March partner countries?

The price difference stems from crude soybean oil (HS 15071000) being the bulk import at ~3.67 USD/kg, while rare refined variants (HS 15079090) show anomalies (15.06 USD/kg) but are negligible in volume.

Q4. What should importers in India focus on when buying Soybean oil?

Importers should prioritize bulk contracts tied to global indices, given the commodity-driven market, and diversify suppliers to mitigate reliance on Argentina and Nepal.

Q5. What does this India Soybean oil import pattern mean for overseas suppliers?

Suppliers must cater to India’s high-volume demand, with Argentina and Nepal favored for bulk crude oil, while niche players can target smaller buyer segments.

Q6. How is Soybean oil typically used in this trade flow?

Imported crude soybean oil is primarily used for edible oil refining and food processing, given its fungible, bulk-commodity nature.