US aims to double soybean meal exports and expand soybean markets

The US soybean industry plans to expand demand for its products in 2027, strengthen its position in traditional markets and explore new sales destinations. This was stated by the heads of US industry organizations during an Agri-Pulse webinar on October 29.

USSEC CEO Jim Sutter said China is likely to meet its annual commitment to purchase 25 mln tons of US soybeans. At the same time, the industry wants to avoid becoming overly dependent on a single buyer and diversify its export markets.

Sutter cited Egypt as an example of growing demand, noting that the country’s soybean crushing capacity for meal and oil production has expanded significantly over the past decade. The US hopes to replicate this experience in other nearby markets. US soybean meal exports currently total around 12 mln tons per year, and the industry expects this volume could double over the next few years.

USB CEO Courtney Knupp emphasized that sustainable demand should be based on a diverse range of customers, markets and product uses. However, new opportunities must also be commercially viable.

US industry associations are also calling for exemptions from tariffs on imports of fertilizers, seeds, crop protection products and agricultural machinery. According to ASA CEO Stephen Censky, tariffs increase food production costs and undermine the competitiveness of US producers.

Tags: export, soybean, soybean meal, USA