Soybean Market Size and Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2033

The Soybean market is expected to reach US$ 255.39 billion by 2033 from US$ 169.65 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 4.65% from 2025 to 2033. The growing demand for plant-based proteins worldwide, the need for more animal feed, the expansion of biofuel production, improvements in agricultural technology, and the trend toward sustainable and better food options are all factors driving soybean growth.

Soybean Industry Overview

Since soybeans are a flexible source of protein, oil, and biofuel, the soybean business is a vital component of world agriculture. The main application for soybeans is in animal feed, particularly for cattle and poultry, where their high protein content is necessary for effective development and yield. Furthermore, because of their high protein content, soybeans are becoming more and more popular in plant-based diets, which helps to meet the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan food products. The industry's importance in both the food and non-food markets is further increased by the usage of soybean oil in a variety of industrial and food products, such as cooking oils, margarine, and biodiesel. To satisfy both home and foreign demand, major producers such as the United States, Brazil, and Argentina control the majority of the world's soybean production.

The development of the soybean business has also been aided by improvements in agricultural techniques, such as genetically modified (GM) crops that provide increased yield and insect resistance. Specifically, GM soybeans are more disease and herbicide resistant, enabling more productive and effective farming practices. The demand for soybean oil as an alternative energy source has increased due to the global expansion of biofuel production, which has also made the market more dynamic. The stability of the soybean market, however, may be impacted by issues including trade restrictions, shifting commodity prices, and climate change. Notwithstanding these obstacles, the soybean sector continues to play a significant role in the world's agricultural economy and has a bright future because to rising demand and innovation.

The market for soybean by-products, like oil cakes and soybean meal, has grown significantly in recent years. The market is expanding as a result of their increased consumer popularity due to their high nutritional content. This demand has been further stimulated by factors such as increased soybean productivity and rising disposable incomes in industrialized countries. The USDA reports that the amount of soybean oil produced in the United States increased from 11.3 million metric tons in 2019 to 12.28 million metric tons in 2023.

Growth Drivers for the Soybean Market

Rising Demand for Plant-Based Protein

Since soybeans are a major source of plant-based protein, the demand for them is being greatly boosted by the growing trend toward plant-based diets. Due to its high nutritional content and adaptability, soy protein is a key component of plant-based alternatives to conventional animal products that consumers are choosing more and more, such as meat substitutes, dairy-free milk, and protein powders. Concerns about sustainability, animal welfare, and health are driving this trend, positioning soybeans as a key component in the manufacture of plant-based foods. The need for soy protein keeps growing as more businesses create and promote plant-based food options, further establishing soybeans as a mainstay in the world's food industry. It is anticipated that this trend would keep expanding, supporting the soybean market over the long run.

Livestock Feed Requirements

Because of their high protein content, soybeans are a vital part of animal feed and are used in the diets of many animals, especially cattle, pork, and poultry. The need for high-protein feed components like soybeans is rising as the world's population expands and meat consumption rises. Soybeans are a perfect source of protein for animals due to their excellent digestibility and amino acid composition, which enhances growth rates and production efficiency. Animal feed made from soybeans is predicted to continue to be in high demand as the demand for meat and animal products rises due to both population expansion and increased affluence. The livestock industry's steady demand for soybeans is essential to maintaining the market's overall expansion.

Advancements in Agricultural Technology

The market for soybeans has been greatly expanded by developments in agricultural technology, especially the creation of genetically modified (GM) soybeans. Because GM soybeans are designed to withstand pests, diseases, and extreme environmental conditions, fewer pesticides are required, and crop resilience is increased. Because of these advancements, farmers can now grow more soybeans on the same area of land, increasing supply and efficiency overall. Furthermore, GM crops are frequently engineered to be more resistant to herbicides, which makes weed management simpler and farming less labor-intensive. These technical developments have therefore increased the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of soybean cultivation. Soybeans are becoming more and more available because to their higher productivity and decreased dependency on chemical inputs, which supports demand in the food and non-food industries worldwide.

Challenges in the Soybean Market

Environmental Concerns

Because vast tracts of forest are cut down to make room for agricultural growth, soybean growing has been connected to deforestation, particularly in nations like Brazil. By releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere, this practice not only diminishes biodiversity but also fuels climate change. Governments and environmental organizations are paying increasing attention to the environmental effects of soybean growing, which has prompted calls for more sustainable farming methods. As a result, programs that support responsible sourcing, such as certification programs like the Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS), seek to guarantee that soybeans are produced with the least amount of negative environmental impact. These issues encourage striking a balance between maintaining ecosystems and satisfying global demand.

Land and Resource Constraints

Competition for arable land and water supplies is getting fiercer as the demand for soybeans rises globally. Clearing new land is frequently necessary to expand soybean farming, which can lead to habitat damage and deforestation. Furthermore, growing agricultural activity puts more strain on water supplies, especially in areas where water shortage is already an issue. It gets more and harder to scale up soybean production in a sustainable way as land and water become scarcer. Precision farming and better water management are two examples of innovative farming techniques that will be crucial to meeting the increasing demand while ensuring the long-term sustainability of soybean production and reducing its negative effects on the environment.

Soybean Market Overview by Regions

By countries, the global Soybean market is divided into United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Turkey, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

United States Soybean Market

Due to its considerable agricultural output and status as a major exporter, the United States has one of the largest soybean markets in the world. The main purposes of soybean cultivation are the production of oil, animal feed, and as a vital component of plant-based foods. The United States is a major supplier to international markets, especially to China, a major importer. The introduction of genetically modified (GM) soybeans and other agricultural technological advancements have increased yields and efficiency, increasing the competitiveness of U.S. production. Market stability, however, may be impacted by issues like shifting commodity prices, climate change, and trade disruptions like tariffs. It is anticipated that the US soybean market will continue to play a significant role in the world's food and agricultural systems in spite of these obstacles.

France Soybean Market

The increased need for plant-based protein sources and France's dedication to sustainable agriculture are driving the country's soybean market's expansion. Despite being a small producer, France imports a large number of soybeans to suit the demands of its food business, livestock feed industry, and biofuel production. Because soy is a vital component of alternative protein products and plant-based diets are becoming more and more popular, there is an increasing demand for soybeans in the nation. The French agriculture industry is also adopting more environmentally friendly farming methods, such as growing soybeans domestically. Nonetheless, the industry is confronted with obstacles such rivalry from worldwide manufacturers, volatile prices, and the requirement for improved infrastructure to facilitate soybean cultivation.

India Soybean Market

The growing demand for plant-based proteins and the growing need for animal feed are driving expansion in the Indian soybean industry. Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan are important soybean-growing regions in India, which ranks among Asia's top producers and consumers of the crop. The primary uses of soybeans are in animal feed, oil extraction, and culinary items like soy milk and tofu. Increased use of products derived from soybeans is being driven by the nation's growing vegetarian and vegan customer base as well as its growing population. However, the Indian soybean industry confronts obstacles like weather-related production fluctuations, a lack of widespread adoption of new technologies, and infrastructure problems. Notwithstanding these obstacles, the market is anticipated to expand due to the growing demand for soybean products, both for food and non-food purposes.

Saudi Arabia Emirates Soybean Market

Despite being relatively modest, the Saudi Arabian soybean industry is expanding as a result of rising demand for animal feed and plant-based proteins. Saudi Arabia is significantly dependent on imports, mainly for usage in livestock feed and culinary items like tofu, soy milk, and protein substitutes, because the country lacks the ideal conditions for large-scale soybean farming. Demand for soy-based goods is being driven by growing sustainability and health consciousness as well as a growing preference for plant-based diets. Furthermore, the government's emphasis on agricultural diversification and food security is supporting initiatives to create better food production systems and more sustainable farming methods. The Saudi soybean market is anticipated to grow as customer preferences change, despite obstacles such low domestic supply and reliance on imports.

Soybean Market Segments

Nature

• Conventional
• Organic

Form

• Processed
• Raw

End User

• Food & Beverages
• Animal-feed
• Others

Countries

North America

• United States
• Canada

Europe

• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• United Kingdom
• Belgium
• Netherlands
• Turkey

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• New Zealand

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina

Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

Company Analysis: Overview, Key Persons, Recent Development, Financial Insights

• Kerry Group plc.
• Fuji Oil Co., Ltd.
• House Foods Corporation
• Danone North America
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
• CHS Inc.
• Cargill, Inc.
• Scoular
• Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

Key Questions Answered in Report

1. How big is the Soybean industry?
The global Soybean market size was valued at US$ 169.65 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 255.39 billion in 2033.

2. What is the Soybean growth rate?
The global Soybean market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.65% from 2025 to 2033.

3. Who are the key players in Soybean industry?
Some key players operating in the Soybean market includes Kerry Group plc., Fuji Oil Co. Ltd., House Foods Corporation, Danone North America, DuPont de Nemours Inc., CHS Inc., Cargill, Inc., Scoular, Archer-Daniels-Midland Co.

4. What are the factors driving the Soybean industry?
Growing demand for plant-based proteins worldwide, expanding needs for animal feed, health-conscious consumer trends, agricultural innovations, and rising biofuel production are the main drivers of the soybean sector.

5. Which Region held the largest market share in the Soybean industry?
North America is expected to hold the largest market share in the industry.

6. What segments are covered in the Soybean Market report?
Nature, form, End User and Countries segment are covered in this report.