Attaché Report (GAIN)

China: Oilseeds and Products Update

Soybean imports for marketing year (MY) 21/22 are revised downward to 94 million metric tons (MMT) due to slower economic growth, high prices, and COVID-related restrictions depressing meal and vegetable oil consumption. Soybean production for MY 22/23 is forecast higher at 18.4 MMT on expanded planted area supported by high prices and government incentives.
On August 17, 2021, the European Commission (EC) approved seven genetically engineered (GE) crops (3 corn, 2 soybean, 1 rapeseed, and 1 cotton) and renewed the authorizations for two corn and one rapeseed crop used for food and animal feed.
On August 24, 2021, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry published a directive in the Gazette of India Extraordinary that will officially permit India to import 1.2 million metric tons (MMT) of soybean meal and soy cake derived from genetically engineered (GE) soybeans through October 31, 2021.
Post’s sources inform that the Indian government is allowing for the import of up to 1.5 million metric tons (MMT) of foreign-origin soybean meal (including that derived from GE-soybeans) at a 16.5 percent basic customs duty.