How Nigerian soybean is being passed off as Niger’s to beat Indian import taxes

India probes soybean imports from Niger over suspected Nigerian origin

Indian customs authorities are investigating whether soybean shipments declared as originating from Niger actually came from Nigeria and were mislabelled to avoid import tariffs.

According to Reuters, Niger was India’s largest declared soybean supplier during the first seven months of 2026 despite producing less than 100 tonnes annually. Nigeria, meanwhile, is Africa’s leading producer and exporter. Reuters

India imported a record 909,606 tonnes of soybeans during the period, including 380,868 tonnes declared as originating from Niger.

“The production data of soybeans in Niger is very much less. Therefore, it appears that import quantity exceeds the usual levels of production and export capacity of Niger,” customs authorities said.

India allows duty-free imports from least-developed countries, including Niger. If the shipments are found to have been mislabelled, importers could face a 45% tariff.

“We imported the soybeans after suppliers told us they originated in Niger and provided all the necessary documents,” one importer said.

“It is not possible for us to physically travel to Africa to verify the origin ourselves.”

Importers have reportedly stopped purchasing soybeans declared as originating from Niger while the investigation continues.