Vietnam expands soybean crushing and will raise imports to 4 mln tons

Vietnam continues to rapidly expand its soybean crushing capacity, driving record imports of raw soybeans. According to FAS USDA, the country imported 3.8 mln tons of soybeans in MY 2025/26, up 46% from 2.6 mln tons a year earlier.

In MY 2026/27, imports are forecast to increase further to 4 mln tons. The main driver will be additional crushing capacity coming online in both southern and northern Vietnam.

Soybean crush is also reaching record levels. Crushing volume is estimated at 3 mln tons in MY 2025/26 and is projected to rise to 3.2 mln tons in the current season. Demand is being supported by the livestock and aquaculture sectors, which require soybean meal, as well as by domestic consumption and exports of soybean oil.

Vietnam’s domestic soybean production remains very limited. Output in MY 2025/26 is estimated at just 41 thsd tons, even below the 48 thsd tons produced in MY 2022/23. As a result, expansion of the crushing industry depends almost entirely on imported raw material.

Growing crushing capacity is making Vietnam an increasingly important soybean buyer in Asia. Further growth in import demand could intensify competition for supplies in the regional market, particularly among countries focused on soybean and soybean meal exports.

Tags: Vietnam, soybean, oilseed crushing