Global Soybean Meal Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Competition, Opportunity, and Forecast, By Region, By Company 2021-2031F 2021-2031F

Key Insights	Details
Forecast Period	2026 - 2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 103.71 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.37%
Fastest Growing Segment	Industrial and bio-based products
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 134.05 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Soybean Meal Market is expected to grow from USD 103.71 Billion in 2025 to USD 134.05 Billion by 2031 at a 4.37% CAGR. Soybean meal is the high-protein co-product derived from processed soybeans after the extraction of soybean oil, primarily serving as a vital protein source in animal feed formulations for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture globally. The market's growth is fundamentally supported by the increasing global demand for animal protein, driven by population expansion and rising disposable incomes in emerging economies, which directly escalates the need for protein-rich animal feed. Additionally, the expansion of the biofuel sector, particularly renewable diesel production, incentivizes greater soybean crushing, thereby increasing the co-product supply of soybean meal.

A significant challenge impeding market expansion is the inherent price volatility of soybean meal. This volatility is influenced by various factors, including fluctuating weather patterns impacting soybean yields, broader geopolitical developments, and the evolving dynamics of the soy complex where the growing demand for soybean oil in biofuel production can lead to an oversupply of meal. According to the USDA, global soybean meal production was estimated at 293.9 million metric tons in 2025/26, reflecting the substantial scale of this commodity.

Key Market Drivers

Global animal protein growth drives soybean meal demand.
Expanding global animal protein production is a primary driver for the soybean meal market, as the commodity serves as a critical protein source in animal feed for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. Rising populations and disposable incomes globally, particularly in emerging economies, continue to fuel demand for meat, eggs, and dairy, which directly translates to an increased need for high-quality animal feed ingredients. According to Rabobank's annual Global Animal Protein Outlook report, December 2023, global animal protein production in major markets is forecast for a marginal year-on-year growth of 0.5% in 2024, reaching a total of 247 million tonnes. This steady expansion necessitates a consistent and growing supply of protein-rich feed components like soybean meal to support animal growth and productivity, thereby underpinning market demand.

Nutritional advantages and cost-effectiveness bolster soybean meal's market position.
The superior nutritional profile and cost-effectiveness of soybean meal in animal feed formulations further solidifies its market position. Soybean meal offers a highly digestible and balanced amino acid profile, along with essential vitamins and minerals, making it an indispensable ingredient for optimal animal health and performance. This intrinsic value, coupled with its competitive pricing compared to alternative protein sources, makes it a preferred choice for feed manufacturers worldwide. According to the '2024 Soybean Meal Demand Assessment' prepared by Decision Innovation Solutions for the U.S. Soybean Export Council, September 2023, total U.S. soybean meal consumption was up 4% in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching 1.38 million tons, driven in part by increased numbers of broilers and dairy cattle. Furthermore, in the 2023/24 marketing year, U.S. soybean meal exports reached a record 14.4 million metric tons, valued at $6.7 billion, demonstrating robust global demand for this essential feed ingredient.

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Key Market Challenges

Price volatility and its impact on budgeting and risk management
The inherent price volatility of soybean meal represents a significant challenge to the growth of the global market. This unpredictability in pricing, influenced by factors such as fluctuating weather patterns, geopolitical developments, and the evolving dynamics of the soy complex, creates considerable uncertainty for animal feed manufacturers. Such instability directly impacts their budgeting and risk management strategies, often leading to delayed purchasing decisions or a shift towards alternative protein sources offering more stable costs.

Unstable demand and EU supply gap under price fluctuations
This consistent price fluctuation inhibits the formation of long-term supply contracts, fostering an environment of unstable demand. For instance, according to the European Feed Manufacturers' Federation (FEFAC), the European Union could face a soybean meal supply gap of at least 5 million tons for the 2026/2027 marketing year, representing approximately 20% of its total footprint. This potential deficit intensifies market uncertainty and pressures feed producers to secure supplies under fluctuating conditions, directly hampering sustained market expansion by introducing considerable operational and financial risk into procurement processes.

Key Market Trends

Sustainable, traceable sourcing drives demand for RTRS-certified soy
A prominent shift in the global soybean meal market is the increasing focus on sustainable and traceable sourcing, driven by consumer and regulatory demands for greater environmental and social responsibility across supply chains. This trend is compelling feed manufacturers and livestock producers to scrutinize the origin of their soybean meal, seeking verification of deforestation-free cultivation and ethical labor practices. The emphasis on transparency and sustainable production methods helps mitigate reputational risks and ensures compliance with evolving international standards. According to the Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS), May 2026, in "Certified soy production reaches record high worldwide," demand for RTRS-certified soy grew by 9.5% last year, reaching 8.1 million tonnes. This growing preference underscores the market's evolving expectations beyond basic commodity specifications.

Rising demand for fermented soybean meal as a functional feed ingredient
Another significant development is the rising demand for fermented soybean meal, primarily driven by its enhanced benefits for animal health and nutrient digestibility. This specialty product reduces anti-nutritional factors present in conventional soybean meal, leading to improved gut health, better feed conversion rates, and reduced reliance on antibiotics in livestock and aquaculture. Producers are increasingly adopting fermented variants to optimize animal performance and address growing concerns about antibiotic resistance. According to The Poultry Site, April 2026, in "China cuts soy use with fermented feed," fermented feed adoption in industrial animal feed in China increased to 8% in 2026 from 3% in 2022. This rapid adoption highlights a market movement towards functional feed ingredients that deliver tangible health and productivity advantages.

Segmental Insights

Rapid growth in industrial and bio-based soybean meal driven by renewable-fuel mandates and regulatory support
The Industrial and bio-based products segment stands out as the fastest-growing application within the Global Soybean Meal Market. This accelerated growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for renewable fuels, particularly due to government mandates for renewable diesel in regions like the United States and Brazil. These mandates incentivize heightened soybean crushing, leading to a substantial increase in the co-product of defatted soybean meal. Consequently, this surplus meal is strategically valorized into diverse industrial applications such as adhesives, bio-lubricants, and biodegradable plastics, creating new value streams. Supportive regulatory frameworks, including guidance from bodies like the California Air Resources Board for low-carbon fuel standards, further enhance the viability and expansion of soy-based bio-products, fostering a sustainable growth trajectory for this segment.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific Leads Global Soybean Meal Market
Asia Pacific leads the global soybean meal market due to robust demand from its expansive and growing livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries. The region experiences increased per capita meat consumption driven by rising incomes and evolving dietary preferences, necessitating high-protein animal feed ingredients. Furthermore, ongoing modernization of agricultural supply chains and significant investments in advanced feed manufacturing facilities across the region consistently boost soybean meal utilization. Countries like China and India, with their large populations and substantial animal farming sectors, are key drivers, making Asia Pacific the primary destination for global soybean meal imports.

Recent Developments

• In December 2025, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) reinforced global partnerships through a series of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) focused on sustainable soy sourcing. One significant agreement was reached with FKS Multi Agro, Indonesia's primary soybean and soybean meal distributor, committing to collaborative efforts in supporting local enterprises and advancing sustainability within Indonesia's food system. Another key MOU involved leading processors and soybean meal importers in Bangladesh, who committed to purchasing $1.25 billion in U.S. soybeans and soybean meal over the subsequent 12 months. These collaborations aimed to strengthen demand for U.S. soy in global markets by emphasizing quality, reliability, and sustainability protocols.
• In September 2024, Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) commenced construction on a new specialty feed production line in Tianjin, China, marking a strategic expansion into value-added products. Situated adjacent to LDC's existing oilseeds crushing plant, this facility was designed to produce fermented soybean meal. The new line leverages technology that enhances feed protein content, palatability, and digestibility through the synergistic fermentation of multiple probiotic strains. This investment targeted China's rapidly growing specialized feed protein market, with operations anticipated to begin in the second half of 2025. This development is expected to provide high-quality specialty feed proteins to the local livestock and poultry farming sectors.
• In August 2024, Continental Refining Company introduced ExPress® Soymeal, an innovative animal nutrition product that expands its portfolio of sustainable solutions for the livestock farming industry. Produced using ExPress® Technology, this chemical-free method involves extruding soybeans followed by mechanical oil pressing. The process notably preserves natural antioxidants, such as lecithin and tocopherols, which are essential for livestock health. Additionally, ExPress® Soymeal provides superior bypass protein, thereby enhancing nutritional benefits for dairy cows by facilitating greater protein absorption in the small intestine. This launch contributed to the global soybean meal market by offering a high-quality, sustainably produced feed ingredient.
• In May 2024, Clean Label Solution was recognized as the grand prize winner of the Soy Innovation Challenge for its Bi-Pass Pro+ feed product, a breakthrough in animal nutrition. This product, developed through a proprietary fermentation process, creates high-value beef and dairy cattle feed from soybeans and soybean meal. Trials demonstrated that cattle could digest an additional 30% of soy protein, which previously passed through their systems unused. This innovation not only boosts milk and meat production but also contributes to reducing methane emissions. The solution also offers a sustainable alternative to palm oil in cow feed, addressing environmental concerns and presenting new opportunities for the global soybean meal market.

Key Market Players

• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Bunge Global SA
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Louis Dreyfus Company
• CHS Inc.
• Wilmar International Limited
• COFCO International
• Ag Processing Inc.
• The Scoular Company
• Gavilon

By Region

North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Soybean Meal Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Soybean Meal Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE