Context
Congress challenged the Commerce Minister to cancel ASEAN trade agreements if they are against national interest, amid concerns over India’s edible oil imports and trade imbalance.
Key Data on Edible Oils
• India remains a major importer of edible oils
• Domestic production: 10.5–10.6 million tonnes
• Imports: ~16 million tonnes annually
• Import bill (2024–25): $18.3 billion
• Palm oil imports began during NDA-1 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee
