Global Soybean Consumption to Reach Record High in 2025/26 Marketing Year

According to estimates from the International Grains Council (IGC), global soybean consumption in the 2025/26 season is expected to reach a record level of around 430 million tons. This forecast is driven by the increasing demand for meat, and consequently, for high-protein animal feeds, particularly in Asian countries where the food industry is rapidly developing.

This is reported by AgroReview

“The increase in consumption is attributed to the rising demand for meat and, accordingly, for high-protein animal feeds, especially in the rapidly developing food production sector in Asia,” the report dated October 31 states.

Despite stable harvests, the global soybean supply remains limited. Consumption is growing faster than production, leading to a reduction in global stocks of this crop for the first time in several years.

Soybean Production in Leading Countries

IGC forecasts global soybean production at 428 million tons. Major producers are showing varying dynamics:

• United States: the expected harvest volume is 116 million tons, which is 3% lower than last season. The decline is attributed to unfavorable weather conditions and delays in harvesting.
• Brazil: the country is expected to harvest a record crop of 177 million tons from an area of nearly 47 million hectares, which is four times the arable land of Germany. This strengthens Brazil’s leadership position in the global market.
• Argentina: soybean production here is expected to be 48.5 million tons. The decrease is related to some farmers switching to growing corn and sunflowers.

Situation in the International Market and Stocks

Global soybean trade maintains a positive trend. It is projected that in the 2025/26 marketing year, the volume of international trade will reach 187 million tons, which is 3 million tons higher than the previous season.

• Brazil retains its status as the main exporter with an expected shipment volume of 113 million tons.
• China remains the largest importer of soybeans in the world, purchasing 113 million tons, primarily from South American countries.
• United States continue to lose market share: exports are projected at 45 million tons, which is 10% lower due to changes in trade policy and reduced purchases from China.

According to Agrarmarkt Informations-Gesellschaft, global ending soybean stocks are projected at 120 million tons, which is 3.5 million tons lower than last year. A particularly significant reduction in stocks is observed in South American countries due to active exports in the second half of the season.