India Soybean Oil Import Market -- HS 1507 Trade Data & Price Trend (Q1 2025)

India Soybean Oil Import (HS 1507) Key Takeaways

India's soybean oil imports under HS Code 1507 in Q1 2025 reveal a market dominated by high-value crude soybean oil (84% share), with volatile trade swings—a 31% drop from January to February before a 17% rebound in March. Supplier concentration is extreme, with 80% of value controlled by a handful of high-volume players, while Argentina and Nepal split the market between premium and bulk supply, creating supply chain risks. This analysis, covering 2025 Q1, is based on cleanly processed customs data from the yTrade database.

India Soybean Oil Import (HS 1507) Background

What is HS Code 1507?

HS Code 1507 covers soybean oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. A staple in food processing, it is widely used for cooking, frying, and industrial food production due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. Global demand remains stable, driven by its affordability and versatility in both household and commercial applications.

Current Context and Strategic Position

In May 2025, India reduced import duties on crude soybean oil from 20% to 10%, aiming to curb inflation and boost domestic refining capacity [FAS USDA]. This policy shift triggered a 95% surge in import value and 62% in volume during H1 2025, with Argentina supplying 45% of India’s soybean oil imports [GTAIC]. Refined variants under HS 1507 still face higher tariffs (~32.5%), creating a bifurcated market. As the world’s top edible oil importer, India’s soybean oil import trends directly impact global trade flows, necessitating close monitoring of HS Code 1507 trade data for supply chain and pricing risks.

India Soybean Oil Import (HS 1507) Price Trend

Key Observations

The India Soybean Oil Import trend under HS code 1507 in Q1 2025 showed marked volatility, with total import values approximately $3.32 billion. January opened at $1.33 billion, followed by a sharp drop to $915.73 million in February, before recovering to $1.07 billion in March.

Price and Volume Dynamics

The hs code 1507 value trend indicates a turbulent quarter, with a 31% month-over-month decline from January to February, followed by a 17% increase into March. This sequential swing suggests shifting trade flows, potentially driven by inventory adjustments or seasonal demand patterns in India's edible oil market, where post-harvest domestic supply fluctuations often prompt import volatility early in the year.

External Context and Outlook

This volatility aligns with broader import surges noted in early 2025, as India's soybean oil imports skyrocketed by over 95% in value year-over-year for January-June, per [GTAIC]. The anticipation of policy changes, such as the May 2025 import duty reduction on crude oils from 20% to 10% (USDA), likely fueled this activity, reinforcing strong inbound trade momentum despite global price uncertainties.

India Soybean Oil Import (HS 1507) HS Code Breakdown

Product Specialization and Concentration

According to yTrade data, India's HS Code 1507 import in Q1 2025 is dominated by crude soybean oil under sub-code 15071000, which holds an 84% value share despite a lower quantity share, with a unit price of 8.29 USD per kilogram indicating a focus on higher-value crude grades. An anomaly is sub-code 15079090, with minimal trade volume and a high unit price of 21.21 USD per kilogram, which is excluded from further analysis due to its insignificant market presence.

Value-Chain Structure and Grade Analysis

The import flow under HS Code 1507 splits into two primary categories: crude soybean oil for initial processing and other refined forms like sub-code 15079010, which has a high quantity share but lower unit price of 5.93 USD per kilogram. This structure points to a bulk commodity trade, where crude oils are imported in large volumes for domestic refining, aligning with global price indices rather than differentiated products.

Strategic Implication and Pricing Power

The heavy reliance on crude soybean oil imports, coupled with India's recent duty cuts on crude edible oils [USDA Report], grants refiners pricing power by sourcing cheaper raw materials for local processing. Analyzing HS Code 1507 trade data reveals a strategic shift towards cost-efficient imports, shaping competitive dynamics in India's edible oil market.

Check Detailed HS Code 1507 Breakdown

India Soybean Oil Import (HS 1507) Origin Countries

Geographic Concentration and Dominant Role

Argentina is India's dominant soybean oil supplier in Q1 2025, accounting for 46.8% of the import value but only 41.21% of the weight. This gap means Argentina charges a higher price per kilogram, suggesting it supplies more refined, higher-grade soybean oil. Nepal holds a surprising 96.52% share of the volume but just 15.98% of the value, indicating it is a major source of much cheaper, likely crude, oil. This creates a market split between premium and bulk supply.

Origin Countries Clusters and Underlying Causes

The suppliers form three clear clusters. The first is a premium group including Switzerland, Brazil, Singapore, and the United States. Each has a high value share that greatly exceeds their low volume share, meaning they also export higher-value oil. The second is a bulk cluster featuring Russia and the UAE, where their volume and value shares are more aligned, pointing to trade in standard-grade oil. The third is a minor cluster with Iraq and Ukraine, which have very small shares across all metrics.

Forward Strategy and Supply Chain Implications

India's strategy relies on a dual-sourcing model: premium oil from Argentina and other high-value partners, and massive volumes of cheaper crude oil from Nepal. This heavy dependence on just two countries for over 60% of the value and nearly all the volume creates significant supply risk. The recent Indian government policy to cut import duties on crude edible oils, as reported by the [USDA Gain Report], directly explains the surge in cheap imports from Nepal and reinforces this strategic vulnerability. Diversifying sources is critical for supply chain stability.

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

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India Soybean Oil (HS 1507) Suppliers Analysis

Supplier Concentration and Dominance

According to yTrade data, the India Soybean Oil import supplier market in 2025 Q1 was highly concentrated. A small group of high-volume, high-value suppliers dominated, accounting for over 80% of the total import value and nearly 80% of all shipments. This group represents the core of the trade, with a typical transaction involving large, regular shipments of crude oil. The median trade for India's soybean oil imports is defined by these frequent, high-volume purchases.

Strategic Supplier Clusters and Trade Role

The remaining supplier groups play distinct but smaller roles. A few high-value, low-frequency suppliers, including international trading firms, contribute a significant portion of value despite fewer shipments, indicating large, occasional deals. Many low-value, high-frequency suppliers provide smaller, regular volumes, likely serving niche or regional needs. A final group of infrequent, low-value suppliers represents minor or trial transactions. The profile of HS code 1507 suppliers, led by domestic manufacturers like SHREE SHIV SHAKTI, points to a direct-to-factory sourcing model for bulk crude oil, with trading firms facilitating larger, less frequent deals.

Sourcing Strategy and Vulnerability

India's heavy reliance on a few high-volume suppliers creates vulnerability to supply shocks or price volatility from these key partners. The strategic focus should be on diversifying sources among the high-value clusters to mitigate this risk. The surge in import volume and value aligns with the Indian government's May 2025 policy to cut import duties on crude edible oils from 20% to 10%, aimed at curbing inflation and boosting supply [FAS USDA]. This policy shift likely accelerated the volume growth captured in this data, reinforcing the need for a diversified, cost-aware sourcing strategy.

Table: India Soybean Oil (HS 1507) Top Suppliers List (Source: yTrade)

Check Full Soybean Oil Supplier lists

Action Plan for Soybean Oil Market Operation and Expansion

Strategic Supply Chain Overview

India's Soybean Oil Import market operates on a dual-track system. Price is driven by oil grade and recent policy shifts. High-value crude oil from Argentina commands a premium price. Bulk crude oil from Nepal arrives at a much lower cost. This creates a volatile pricing environment. The May 2025 duty cut on crude edible oils accelerated import volumes. This policy is a major price driver.

This structure creates significant supply chain implications. India's Soybean Oil supply chain is dangerously concentrated. Over 60% of value and volume relies on just two countries. This creates high vulnerability to geopolitical or logistical shocks. The hs code 1507 trade data reveals a direct-to-factory sourcing model. This grants refiners pricing power but increases national supply risk.

Action Plan: Data-Driven Steps for Soybean Oil Market Execution and Expansion

• Diversify your supplier base among high-value clusters. Use hs code 1507 trade data to identify premium partners beyond Argentina, like Brazil or the US. This reduces over-reliance on a single dominant supplier and mitigates supply shock risk.
• Monitor sub-code level data for price arbitrage opportunities. Track the unit price differentials between crude (15071000) and other refined forms. This allows you to source the most cost-effective oil grade for your specific refining needs.
• Establish a policy alert system for key origin countries. Closely track agricultural and trade policy announcements from major suppliers. This provides early warning of potential duty changes or export restrictions that could impact cost and availability.
• Analyze buyer frequency data to forecast demand cycles. Identify patterns in shipment timing and volume from major domestic manufacturers. This enables better inventory planning and prevents costly overstock or shortages in your own Soybean Oil supply chain.

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 Q1?

India's soybean oil imports in Q1 2025 saw significant volatility, with a 31% drop from January to February followed by a 17% rebound in March. This reflects shifting trade flows tied to domestic supply fluctuations and anticipation of India's May 2025 policy cutting crude oil import duties from 20% to 10%.

Q2. Who are the main origin countries of India Soybean Oil (HS Code 1507) 2025 Q1?

Argentina dominates with 46.8% of import value, while Nepal supplies 96.52% of volume but only 15.98% of value due to cheaper crude oil. Premium suppliers like Switzerland and Brazil have high value shares despite low volumes.

Q3. Why does the unit price differ across origin countries of India Soybean Oil Import?

Price gaps stem from product specialization: Argentina supplies higher-grade refined oil (higher value/kg), while Nepal focuses on bulk crude soybean oil (lower value/kg). Sub-code 15071000 (crude oil) accounts for 84% of imports at $8.29/kg.

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

Importers should diversify suppliers to mitigate reliance on Argentina and Nepal, which together account for over 60% of value. Prioritizing high-volume, high-value suppliers can balance cost efficiency and supply stability.

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

Suppliers of premium refined oil (e.g., Switzerland, Brazil) can leverage India's demand for high-value grades, while bulk crude exporters (e.g., Nepal) benefit from India's duty cuts and volume-driven sourcing strategy.

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

Most imports are crude soybean oil (HS 15071000) for domestic refining, aligning with India's bulk commodity trade model. Refined forms (e.g., sub-code 15079010) cater to niche markets but represent smaller volumes.

Detailed Monthly Report

India HS1507 Import Snapshot 2025 JAN

India HS1507 Import Snapshot 2025 FEB

India HS1507 Import Snapshot 2025 MAR