Brazil’s soybean crushing capacity rises 13%

Brazil’s soybean crushing capacity increased by 13% y/y in 2026 to 86.4 mln tons per year, according to industry association Abiove, which represents companies including ADM, Bunge and Cargill.

The expansion reflects stronger demand for soybean oil, the main feedstock for Brazil’s biodiesel industry, as well as soybean meal for animal feed.

Abiove forecasts Brazil’s soybean crush to reach a record 63.5 mln tons in 2026. The number of operating crushing plants increased to 148 from 131 a year earlier, while the number of idle facilities fell from 12 to six.

Brazilian processors have announced 7.7 bln reais, or around $1.5 bln, in investments to expand existing operations and build new plants. Projects expected to come online within the next 12 months are set to add another 7.4 mln tons of annual crushing capacity.

At the same time, the number of plants under construction declined to three from six a year earlier. This suggests that some previously announced projects are already moving into operation, while the sector continues to expand processing on the back of strong domestic demand for soybean products.

Tags: Brazil, soybean, oilseed crushing