Rice DDGS Over Soyabean Meal? Save More Today

Still using Soyabean Meal? Discover how Rice DDGS can slash your feed expenses without sacrificing quality.

Athish Ravikanth

8/3/20253 min read

If you are a manufacturer of animal or bird feed and use Soybean Meal, then this article is for you.

Today, I will talk about saving up to 20% to 40% on feed manufacturing cost without compromising the nutritional value and quality.

Before I discuss RICE DDGS let me clear the context of this article by giving some detail about soybean meal.

🌱 GMO vs NON-GMO Soyabean Meal: Price vs Real Cost

Brazil, Argentina, and the USA are among the largest exporters of GMO Soybean Meal, while India is one of the largest exporters of NON-GMO Soybean Meal.

  • Brazil and Argentina dominate the ASEAN market.

  • India holds a strong position in Nepal, Bangladesh, Iran, Europe, Korea, and other selective markets.

👉 Average Price Snapshot:

  • GMO Soybean Meal: $350–$380 per MT CFR (ASEAN)

  • NON-GMO Soybean Meal: $400 per MT FOB India

🔗 Download the full Market Snapshot of Soybean Meal for FREE– [Click Here to download]

GMO meals might look cheaper at first glance, but in the long run, it costs more. You can read the reasons in my previous article on this topic.

Now let’s discuss RICE DDGS and compare it with Soybean Meal and understand how it can become a game-changer for your business.

⚖️ Comparative Snapshot: Rice DDGS vs Soybean Meal



Rice DDGS is not just cheaper—it’s also a nutritionally viable alternative to soybean meal.

🌾 Why India Dominates the Rice DDGS Market

India, being one of the largest rice producers and exporters, also hosts a growing number of grain-based ethanol production plants.

🚀 Industry CAGR Insights:

  • Grain-based Ethanol Market in India: CAGR of 8.8% (2024–2030)

  • Rice DDGS Global Market: Expected CAGR of ~6.2% (2024–2030)

So it’s no surprise that India is now a top exporter of Rice DDGS globally.

👉 Don’t get confused by customs data — HSN code 23033000 is shared between Corn DDGS and Rice DDGS.
Those experienced in the industry know how to differentiate.

🌍 Countries Already Using Rice DDGS in Feed Formulation

Many Asian countries have started blending Rice DDGS with other ingredients in animal and bird feed, including:

  • Indonesia

  • Philippines

  • Sri Lanka

  • Nepal

  • Bangladesh

  • Iran

  • Saudi Arabia

  • Kuwait

  • Qatar

  • Taiwan

  • Vietnam

  • South Korea

It’s proven: Rice DDGS can cut feed costs without impacting nutritional value.

🚛 Procurement Insights for Importers & Feed Manufacturers

Why India is the Top Exporter of Rice DDGS:
  1. Abundant Raw Material (Broken Rice)
    India generates huge volumes of broken rice, ideal for ethanol production.

  2. Government Push for Ethanol
    Programs like the Ethanol Blending Policy (20% blending by 2025) have increased ethanol — and DDGS — output.

  3. Low-Cost Production
    Cheaper labor, raw materials, and energy = globally competitive pricing.

  4. Strategic Location
    Proximity to ASEAN, Middle East, and Africa reduces freight costs.

  5. Protein-Rich & Compatible
    With 40–45% protein, Indian Rice DDGS competes with Soybean Meal, Rapeseed Meal, and Corn DDGS.

🏭 Ground Reality in India’s Ethanol Plants

  • Ethanol plants focus on ethanol, not DDGS.

  • DDGS is sold as a by-product — mostly on advance payment.

  • Plants don’t guarantee quality or consistent supply.

🔧 This is where Indian merchant exporters and sourcing experts come in:

  • They identify top-quality plants

  • Arrange inland logistics

  • Organize bulk exports for feed manufacturers

✅ Pro Tips for Feed Manufacturers in Asia

  1. Small Quantity? Buy directly from a plant.

  2. Large Quantity? Partner with a sourcing expert in India.

  3. Long-Term Supply? Sign a contract with your sourcing experts.

  4. Credit Terms? Ethanol plants won’t offer — but sourcing experts can (Usance LC or SBLC).

  5. Currency Fluctuations? Locking in prices through a long-term contract can safeguard your profit margins.

Advice for Indian Exporters

  1. ❌ Don’t export on open credit.

  2. ✅ Use Usance LC or SBLC if buyers demand credit.

  3. 🛡️ If DA terms, secure it with ECGC.

  4. 🧪 Accept quality disputes only if proven by SGS, BV, or equivalent.

  5. 📦 Commit quantity only after confirming from the ethanol plant.

  6. 🚛 Lock logistics in advance with transporters to avoid last-minute surprises.

  7. 🤝 Always deliver as promised – client trust = repeat orders.

🌐 Free Trade Benefits – India vs ASEAN & Others

India enjoys FTA or concessional duty access with many target countries:

Country

India’s Trade Terms

Nepal: Duty-free (SAFTA)

Bangladesh: Duty concession (SAFTA)

Sri Lanka: FTA with preferential terms

Vietnam: Under review via ASEAN FTA

Indonesia: Partial concession (ASEAN FTA)

Iran, UAE: Trade under rupee-based or concessional bilateral routes

✅ These FTAs make Indian Rice DDGS more price-competitive than U.S. or South American alternatives.

🤝 My Final Words

🧑‍💼 Indian Exporters:
I’m currently working with
one exclusive company for DDGS & DOC. For other agri products, you can connect with me.

📅 Book a FREE 30-minute consultation – [Click Here ]

🌏 Importers & Feed Mills:
If you need a reliable sourcing expert from India, connect me:

📲 WhatsApp: +91 99459 69917
📧
Email: athishravikanth@gmail.com

That’s all for now — Ram Ram 🙏


#RiceDDGS , #SoyabeanMeal , #FeedCostSavings , #AnimalFeed , #PoultryFeed , #LivestockFeed , #AquaFeed , #FeedManufacturing , #NonGMOSoy , #ExportFromIndia , #AgriBusiness , #DDGSExport , #GrainBasedEthanol , #FeedIndustry , #CostEffectiveFeed