Soy remains a key component of the global protein market

At the CrushCon 2025 conference, experts highlighted the strategic role of soy in ensuring global food security and supporting international trade. Growing populations, urbanization, and shifts in dietary patterns are driving increased demand for feed protein and vegetable oils, making soy a critical crop for the global market.

As megacities expand and incomes rise, consumption of animal protein increases, while demand for vegetable oils continues to grow even after meat consumption stabilizes. With its high nutritional value in both protein and oil, soy remains a versatile raw material for both the feed industry and the food sector.

Global soy production remains stable, and international trade plays a key role in balancing supply and demand. A significant share of the crop is exported, while importing countries are increasingly diversifying their sources to meet rising meat consumption, particularly poultry.

Demand for soy is particularly strong in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, where poultry farming and feed industries are rapidly developing. Africa is expected to become a major driver of future protein demand due to demographic growth and urbanization.

China remains a decisive factor in the global soy market. Despite a declining population, its animal protein production continues to grow, sustaining high levels of soybean and soybean meal imports. Experts emphasize that these structural trends reinforce the long-term importance of soy as a foundation for global food security and international trade.

Tags: soybean