Vietnam expands soybean crushing capacity and boosts imports

Vietnam is continuing to develop its soybean processing industry by launching two new crushing lines in the north and south of the country. According to a report by the US Department of Agriculture, this expansion will significantly increase production capacity and support higher domestic output of soybean meal and oil.

Despite this progress, domestic soybean cultivation in Vietnam remains limited. Planted areas are expected to decline further as farmers shift to more profitable crops such as fruits and vegetables. In the 2025/26 marketing year, the soybean area is forecast at 25,000 hectares with production of about 41,000 tonnes, with further declines expected in 2026/27.

Against the backdrop of rising processing capacity, soybean imports are projected to grow steadily. Imports are expected to reach 3.2 million tonnes in 2025/26 and increase further to 3.8 million tonnes in 2026/27, driven by stronger demand from both processors and the feed sector.

In particular, demand for soybean meal in animal feed and aquaculture is forecast to rise to 7.4 million tonnes in 2025/26 and 7.8 million tonnes in 2026/27. This growth is supported by expanding feed production, alongside continued development in the poultry and swine industries.

Brazil and the United States remain the main suppliers of soybeans to Vietnam, accounting for the majority of imports. Shipments from the United States have shown especially strong growth. A sharp increase in imports in early 2026 further highlights the country’s growing reliance on external supply.

Tags: soybean, soybean meal