Myanmar plans to process US soybeans into soybean oil for export

Myanmar will import soybean grains from the United States, process them, and export them as soybean oil, according to the Myanmar Agribusiness Public Corporation (MAPCO). The American International Feed Corporation is partnering on the project, with MAPCO signing a Memorandum of Understanding for soybean shipments to Myanmar. Currently, the company is importing between 500 and 1,000 tonnes of defatted soybean flakes for animal feed.

A MAPCO official stated that soybean oil is popular among local consumers and considered a healthier option. The plan is to integrate rice and oil production to support the livestock sector. Most of the imported soybeans will be processed into oil and defatted soybean flakes at rice bran oil plants, with the finished oil intended for export. The project will be submitted for government approval.

US soybeans will arrive in containers via Singapore or Malaysia to Yangon Port. With government approval, MAPCO plans to import soybean batches over the next three months and process them at two plants in Yangon, one plant in Nay Pyi Taw—expected to be completed soon—and another plant in Myaungmya.

The project is expected to not only expand soybean oil production in Myanmar but also boost export volumes and create additional jobs in the country’s food and livestock sectors.