Indian customs authorities are investigating a sharp rise in soybean imports declared as originating from Niger, amid suspicions that some of the shipments may have actually come from Nigeria.
The investigation follows a dramatic increase in India’s soybean imports. The country imported 909,606 tonnes in the first seven months of 2026, compared with just 1,996 tonnes during the same period a year earlier. Shipments declared as originating from Niger accounted for 380,868 tonnes, despite the country producing less than 100 tonnes of soybeans annually.
India grants duty-free access to imports from least-developed countries such as Niger. However, if customs authorities determine that the soybeans were incorrectly declared as Nigerien in order to obtain the concession, importers could face a 45% tariff.
Nigeria, Africa’s leading soybean producer and exporter, is central to the investigation because Niger is landlocked and cargoes can be transported through Nigerian territory. Indian customs officials are seeking certificates of origin and transit records to establish where the shipments actually originated.
Importers say they relied on documentation supplied by overseas traders and did not have the ability to independently verify the origin of the cargoes.
The probe has already prompted Indian buyers to stop purchasing soybeans declared as coming from Niger, while shipments currently in transit could face delays over the potential tariff liability.
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