Global Soybean Meal Market: Growth, Applications, and Future Opportunities

Market Overview

The global soybean meal market was valued at USD 94.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 98.7 billion in 2025 to USD 148.6 billion by 2033, registering a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period (2025–2033).

Soybean meal, a byproduct of oil extraction from soybeans, is one of the most widely used protein sources globally. With over 65% protein content, excellent amino acid composition, and cost-effectiveness, it serves as the backbone of the livestock feed industry while gaining momentum in human nutrition and industrial use.

Key Market Drivers

1. Expanding Livestock Industry

The livestock industry, especially poultry, swine, and dairy cattle, relies heavily on soybean meal as a primary protein supplement. Rising global meat and dairy consumption continues to drive demand.

2. Growing Aquaculture Sector

Soybean meal is increasingly used in fish and shrimp feed formulations, replacing fishmeal due to sustainability concerns. Its digestibility and balanced amino acid profile make it a preferred alternative in aquafeed.

3. Shift Toward Plant-Based Proteins

The rise of plant-based diets and alternative protein products has opened new opportunities for soybean meal in human nutrition, sports supplements, and fortified foods.

4. Global Trade Dynamics

Soybean meal is a major commodity in international trade, with the U.S., Brazil, and Argentina as top producers and exporters. Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, represent the largest import markets due to high demand in animal husbandry.

5. Technological Advancements in Processing

Innovations in dehulled, enzyme-treated, and low-oligosaccharide soybean meals are enhancing feed efficiency, nutritional value, and sustainability, creating added value for producers.

Market Segmentation

By Type

• Conventional Soybean Meal – Widely used in livestock feed.

• Organic Soybean Meal – Growing demand in premium animal feed and human nutrition.

• Dehulled & High-Protein Soybean Meal – Preferred in poultry and aquaculture feed.

• Enzyme-Modified Soybean Meal – Enhanced digestibility and reduced anti-nutritional factors.

By Application

• Animal Feed

  • Poultry (largest segment)

  • Swine

  • Dairy Cattle

  • Beef Cattle

  • Aquaculture

• Food & Beverages

  • Plant-Based Protein Powders

  • Bakery & Snacks

  • Infant Formula & Nutritional Products

• Industrial Use

  • Biofuels & Biochemicals

  • Adhesives & Plastics

By Distribution Channel

• Direct Sales to Feed Producers

• Commodity Traders & Exporters

• Retail Distribution (organic/niche markets)

• Online B2B Channels

By Region

• North America – Dominated by U.S. production and exports.

• Europe – Driven by sustainable feed demand and plant-based food adoption.

• Asia-Pacific – Largest consumer market, led by China and India’s livestock and aquaculture sectors.

• Latin America – Brazil and Argentina as key exporters with strong production capacity.

• Middle East & Africa – Emerging markets driven by poultry and aquaculture growth.

Regional Insights

• North America: The U.S. leads soybean meal exports globally. Strong domestic poultry and dairy industries ensure steady demand.

• Europe: Transition to sustainable feed and plant protein alternatives fuels demand, especially in Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

• Asia-Pacific: China remains the largest importer, while India’s poultry and aquaculture sectors boost domestic consumption.

• Latin America: Brazil and Argentina remain export powerhouses, supplying both domestic industries and international markets.

• Middle East & Africa: Rapid population growth and urbanization are increasing meat and poultry consumption, driving soybean meal demand.

Competitive Landscape

Key players include:

• Cargill Incorporated

• Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)

• Bunge Limited

• Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC)

• Wilmar International

• CHS Inc.

• Nidera

• Ag Processing Inc. (AGP)

• Olam International

• Soykon GmbH

Companies are focusing on supply chain integration, feed innovations, and sustainability practices, including traceable sourcing and non-GMO production.

Recent Developments

• 2025: ADM expanded its specialty soybean processing in the U.S. to increase non-GMO soybean meal supply.

• 2024: Brazil launched large-scale investments in sustainable soybean farming, boosting exports of deforestation-free soybean meal.

• 2023–2024: Major feed producers integrated enzyme-treated soybean meal into aquaculture formulations, improving feed conversion ratios.

Key Market Trends

1. Sustainable Soy Sourcing – Rising adoption of deforestation-free, traceable soybeans in response to ESG commitments.

2. Aquaculture Boom – Rapid growth in global aquafeed drives demand for fishmeal alternatives like soybean meal.

3. Organic & Non-GMO Growth – Premium demand in both livestock feed and plant-based food markets.

4. Alternative Protein Applications – Soy protein concentrates and isolates gaining traction in meat substitutes and sports nutrition.

5. Biofuels Link – Increasing soybean oil demand for biofuels indirectly boosts soybean meal supply for feed markets.

Future Outlook (2025–2033)

• The soybean meal market will remain resilient, supported by global livestock and aquaculture industries.

• Asia-Pacific will continue to dominate consumption, while Latin America strengthens its role as a global supplier.

• The plant-based food sector will open new revenue streams, especially for organic and high-protein soybean meal.

• Long-term market sustainability will depend on environmental practices, GMO regulations, and supply chain transparency.

Conclusion

The global soybean meal market stands at the intersection of animal nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and human dietary shifts. With its versatility, affordability, and nutritional richness, soybean meal remains indispensable for global food security. As industries evolve toward sustainability and plant-based alternatives, innovation in processing and responsible sourcing will define the future of this vital commodity.