Topic
agricultural commodities
Commodities India Seeks Sunflower Oil Alternatives as Black Sea Disruptions Delay Shipments and Raise Prices
India, the world's largest edible oil importer, is scrambling for sunflower oil alternatives as attacks in the Black Sea delay shipments from top producers Russia and Ukraine by up to 60 days and push prices higher. Importers are turning to South American suppliers and rival oils like palm and soy, with palm imports expected to jump 40% in July. Local sunflower oil prices rose 6% this month, widening the premium over alternatives.
Trade Global wheat rally revives India's export prospects as government allows 5 million tonnes of exports
India has authorised the export of 5 million tonnes of wheat after a four-year ban, according to the Economic Times. The decision follows a global wheat rally and a domestic surplus of 57.8 million tonnes in the central pool. The government had previously allowed an additional 2.5 million tonnes in April 2026.
Commodities West Asia crisis hits orthodox tea shipments from Coonoor auctions, prices decline
The West Asia crisis has disrupted orthodox tea exports from the Coonoor auctions, leading to price declines of Rs3-4 per kg for whole leaf grades. Increased arrivals during the peak crop season helped maintain stable volumes, with Sale No. 29 recording 92% sales in the leaf category and 85% in dust. CTC and orthodox dust grades also saw varying price movements, according to Global Tea Auctioneers.
Commodities Weather Shocks, Structural Weaknesses Fuel Volatility in Coffee, Cocoa, Tea Prices, Says FAO
A new FAO report highlights that weather-related shocks remain the primary driver of price volatility in coffee, cocoa, and tea markets. Supply concentration and growing consumption create fertile ground for swings. Price changes are not transmitted evenly, with producers bearing the brunt.
Commodities Emami Agrotech targets ₹22,000 crore turnover in FY27 amid robust edible oil demand
Emami Agrotech, the edible oil and foods arm of Emami Group, targets a turnover of ₹22,000 crore in FY27, driven by 10% revenue growth. CEO Sudhakar Rao Desai cites robust demand ahead of the festive season and stable commodity prices, but remains cautious on geopolitical tensions and El Nino weather risks. The company is expanding its foods portfolio and focusing on brand building.
Commodities West Asia Tensions Dampen Export Buying of Tea at Kochi Auctions, Down ₹4/kg
Ongoing West Asia tensions have led tea exporters to adopt cautious procurement, resulting in subdued buying at Kochi auctions. Orthodox tea prices fell ₹4/kg week-over-week, while CTC teas remain supported by domestic demand. Exporters face doubled freight rates and port congestion.
Commodities Overseas Demand from CIS and West Asia Lifts Tea Prices at Kochi Auctions
Overseas demand, particularly from CIS and West Asia, has lifted tea prices at the Kochi auctions as the West Asian crisis eases. Orthodox grades saw a 92% sales out of 2,80,925 kg offered, while CTC dust was dearer by Rs1-2 with 89% sales. The trend is expected to continue, according to traders.
Commodities West Asia demand drives orthodox tea prices higher at Kochi auctions
Kochi tea auctions saw orthodox tea prices rise by around ₹13 per kg as easing West Asia tensions revived export demand. Improved crop quality from recent rains and stable buying from Russia, Iran, Iraq, and other Middle Eastern countries drove the uptick.
Commodities Nafed Launches Digital Auction Platform Nafex.in for Oilseeds and Pulses, NCCF to Follow
Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched Nafed's digital auction platform Nafex.in for transparent auctioning of pulses and oilseeds. Nafed had previously used private platforms. Shah set a two-year deadline for Nafed and NCCF to pass on MSP benefits directly to farmers. India imports 6-7 mt of pulses and 15-16 mt of edible oils annually.
Commodities How Consumer Buying Behaviour Is Reshaping the Indian Edible Oil Industry
India's edible oil industry is undergoing a transformation driven by more alert consumers who compare prices and check unit rates. The government has standardised pack sizes to fixed volumes, eliminating confusing odd-sized packs. The market, at 25 million tonnes in 2024, is projected to reach 28.2 million tonnes by 2033, with household consumers accounting for 64% of consumption.
Commodities India's 2026-27 cotton carry-forward stocks seen 42% higher at 85 lakh bales on import surge
India's cotton carry-forward stocks at the start of the 2026-27 season are projected to rise 42% to over 85 lakh bales, driven by higher imports following the government's import duty exemption. The Cotton Association of India (CAI) reports imports of 43.5 lakh bales by end-May 2026, with total imports expected to reach 60-65 lakh bales. Despite price parity, textile mills prefer imported cotton due to 4% higher yarn realisation and a ₹7/kg premium on yarn.
Commodities West Asia Tensions Weigh on Orthodox Tea Prices at Kochi Auctions
Ongoing war-related uncertainty in West Asia has dented export demand for orthodox teas at the Kochi tea auctions, with prices falling ₹6 per kg. Auctioneers report buyer resistance in Sale No. 24 amid renewed US-Iran tensions, while exporters serving Gulf and CIS markets provide only limited support. The orthodox offering of 255,383 kg saw 85% sold at an average of ₹178.60/kg, down from ₹184.78 last week.
Trade Soybean Oil Competitive in 2027 as Argentina Plans Export Tax Cuts
Argentina will gradually reduce export taxes on soybean and soy byproducts from January 2027 to December 2028, improving competitiveness for major importers like India. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported the plan, announced by President Javier Milei on May 21 and published in the Official Bulletin on June 3, 2026. The cuts aim to support soybean cultivation and could benefit India, which imports around 2.5 million tonnes of soybean oil from Argentina annually.
Commodities India Palm Oil Imports Rise in May but Stay Below Average Levels
India's palm oil imports edged up 7% month-on-month in May to 549,356 metric tons, rebounding from a four-month low but remaining below the 632,000-ton monthly average of the previous marketing year. The Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) reported that soyoil imports surged 37% as its price advantage over palm oil narrowed, while sunflower oil imports fell nearly 32%. Total vegetable oil imports rose 4.2% to 1.37 million tons, the highest in three months.