Imports of soybean seeds have surged ahead of Ramadan to stabilise the edible oil market in Bangladesh, with official data showing a sharp increase in December 2025. A total of 9.64 lakh metric tons of soybean seeds were imported through Chattogram Port between July and December 2025. December alone saw 3.23 lakh metric tons, a more than 120 per cent rise compared to November.
Industry insiders attribute this surge to Ramadan-focused stockpiling, with importers anticipating a sharp increase in demand for edible oil during the fasting month. Importers expect further increases in January and February, possibly doubling previous month’s imports, to ensure a stable market turnover and prices.
Dr Mohammad Shah Alam, deputy director of the Plant Quarantine Station at Chattogram Sea Port, noted that the importation of Ramadan-related products has been rising since November. He confirmed that soybean seed imports have been increasing since October, with December showing a significant jump. The Plant Quarantine Station is facilitating quick processing of permits and fast release of consignments.
Soybean seeds are crucial for edible oil production, with about 20 per cent of soybean oil coming from soybean seeds. The remaining 80 per cent is processed into by-products, primarily used in the poultry, cattle, and fisheries sectors.
Major importers include Meghna Group, City Group, Square Group, Edible Oil Limited, Bashundhara Group, and TK Group. Soybean seeds are mainly sourced from the United States and Brazil, with prices exceeding $400 per ton.
Imports of soybean seeds have been on the rise for the past two fiscal years. Data from the Plant Quarantine Station show that imports increased by about 45%, from 18.69 lakh metric tons in FY 2023–24 to 27.08 lakh metric tons in FY 2024–25, highlighting the growing demand for raw materials in Bangladesh’s edible oil industry.
