Brazil set for record soybean processing in 2026

Brazil is on track to achieve a record level of domestic soybean processing in 2026, according to revised estimates from the industry group Abiove (Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries). Strong crop output and rising demand for processed products support the positive outlook for the market.

The updated projection shows soybean crush volumes reaching 61.5 million tonnes, an increase of 0.8% from the previous forecast. This highlights the domestic industry’s capacity to handle larger volumes of raw material and produce higher value-added products.

Output of soybean derivatives is also expected to rise. Soybean meal production is projected at 47.4 million tonnes, while soybean oil output is estimated at 12.35 million tonnes, reinforcing Brazil’s role not only as a leading exporter of raw soybeans but also as a key supplier of inputs for food and energy industries.

According to Daniel Furlan Amaral, Abiove’s director of economics and regulatory affairs, these figures reflect the maturity of the sector. The upward revision indicates the industry is well positioned to convert a record crop into protein and bioenergy, strengthening both food and energy security.

In foreign trade, Brazil maintains its leadership. Soybean exports are projected at 111.5 million tonnes, while soybean meal exports are expected to reach 24.6 million tonnes. Soybean oil shipments are forecast to grow by 3.4%, totaling 1.5 million tonnes.

Recent data supports this positive outlook. In January 2026, soybean processing reached 3.689 million tonnes, up 8.9% year-on-year, according to adjusted figures.

Tags: Brazil, soybean