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Dealers say that India's palm oil imports in July dropped as soyoil shipments grew.

Five dealers report that India's imports of palm oil fell in July due to cancellations of import contracts. However, soyoil exports surged at a three-year high, thanks to the competitive prices, and to deliveries of delayed shipments since June.

India's lower palm oil imports, which are the largest buyers of vegetable oils in the world, could cause a buildup of stocks among top producers Indonesia, and Malaysia, and put pressure on Malaysian palm futures.

According to dealers, the imports of palm oil in July fell by 10%, to 858,000 metric tonnes, from their 11-month peak in June.

Imports of soyoil in July increased by 38% on a monthly basis, reaching 495,000 tons. This is the highest level for three years. According to the report, the increase in soyoil imports was due to vessels finally unloading their cargo after being held up by congestion in Gujarat's Kandla Port in June.

Dealers estimated that imports of sunflower oil fell by 7%, to 201,000 tonnes.

Dealers estimate that the increase in soyoil imports boosted India's total edible oils imports by 1.5%, to 1.53 millions tons, from a year earlier. This is the highest level of imports since November.

They said that the import numbers do not include duty-free shipments from Nepal which arrived via land border.

India, which had bought less edible oil in the first half 2025 than usual, is now increasing its imports ahead of the festive season to meet the rising demand, according to Aashish Acharya. Acharya is vice president of Patanjali Foods Ltd., a major importer of edible olive oils.

In India, the demand for edible oils, especially palm oil, increases during festival season because of increased consumption.

According to Rajesh Patel, managing partner of GGN Research and an edible oil trader, imports are expected to remain strong in the months ahead as refiners replenish their stocks.

India imports mainly palm oil from Indonesia and Malaysia. It also imports sunflower oil and soyoil from Argentina, Brazil and Ukraine.

GGN Research estimates that Nepal imported 83,000 tons of edible oil in July. This is up from 75,000 tonnes in June. (Reporting and editing by Janane Vekatraman; Rajendra Jadhav)

(source: Reuters)