Introduction
Soybeans are one of the most important crops in the world, with a wide range of uses including animal feed, cooking oil, and biofuel production. As a result, many countries rely on soybean imports to meet their domestic demand. In this report, we will analyze the top 10 soybean importing countries in the world in 2025, looking at their import volumes, key players in the industry, and the trends shaping the global soybean market.
1. China
Import Volume
China is the largest soybean importing country in the world, with a significant portion of its imports used for animal feed. In 2025, China imported over 90 million metric tons of soybeans, accounting for a substantial share of the global soybean market.
Key Players
Some of the key players in the Chinese soybean import market include COFCO, Sinograin, and Wilmar International. These companies play a crucial role in sourcing soybeans from major exporting countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Argentina.
Trends
One of the key trends shaping the Chinese soybean market is the increasing demand for soybean meal, driven by the growing livestock industry. Additionally, China’s trade tensions with major soybean exporting countries have led to shifts in sourcing strategies and increased focus on diversifying import sources.
2. European Union
Import Volume
The European Union is the second-largest soybean importing region in the world, with a focus on using soybeans for food processing and animal feed. In 2025, the EU imported over 40 million metric tons of soybeans, primarily sourced from countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Ukraine.
Key Players
Some of the key players in the European soybean import market include Cargill, Bunge, and Louis Dreyfus Company. These companies are major traders and processors of soybeans, supplying a wide range of industries in the EU.
Trends
One of the key trends in the European soybean market is the increasing demand for sustainable and non-GMO soybeans, driven by consumer preferences and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the EU’s efforts to reduce its reliance on soybean imports by promoting domestic production are expected to impact the market in the coming years.
3. Mexico
Import Volume
Mexico is a significant importer of soybeans, primarily used for animal feed and cooking oil production. In 2025, Mexico imported over 10 million metric tons of soybeans, sourced from countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Argentina.
Key Players
Some of the key players in the Mexican soybean import market include Grupo Bimbo, Gruma, and Minsa Corporation. These companies are major consumers of soybeans for their food processing operations, driving demand in the market.
Trends
One of the key trends in the Mexican soybean market is the increasing demand for soybean oil, driven by the growing food processing industry. Additionally, Mexico’s efforts to diversify its import sources and reduce dependence on a single country are expected to shape the market in the coming years.
4. Japan
Import Volume
Japan is a major importer of soybeans, primarily used for food processing and animal feed. In 2025, Japan imported over 7 million metric tons of soybeans, sourced from countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Canada.
Key Players
Some of the key players in the Japanese soybean import market include Marubeni Corporation, Mitsui & Co., and Itochu Corporation. These companies are major traders and processors of soybeans, supplying a wide range of industries in Japan.
Trends
One of the key trends in the Japanese soybean market is the increasing demand for soy protein products, driven by health-conscious consumers. Additionally, Japan’s efforts to promote sustainable sourcing practices and reduce its environmental impact are expected to influence the market in the coming years.
5. South Korea
Import Volume
South Korea is a significant importer of soybeans, primarily used for food processing and animal feed. In 2025, South Korea imported over 5 million metric tons of soybeans, sourced from countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Argentina.
Key Players
Some of the key players in the South Korean soybean import market include CJ CheilJedang Corporation, Daesang Corporation, and Doosan Corporation. These companies are major consumers of soybeans for their food processing operations, driving demand in the market.
Trends
One of the key trends in the South Korean soybean market is the increasing demand for soybean meal, driven by the growing livestock industry. Additionally, South Korea’s efforts to promote sustainable sourcing practices and reduce its environmental impact are expected to shape the market in the coming years.
6. Egypt
Import Volume
Egypt is a significant importer of soybeans, primarily used for food processing and animal feed. In 2025, Egypt imported over 4 million metric tons of soybeans, sourced from countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Argentina.
Key Players
Some of the key players in the Egyptian soybean import market include Alexandria Flour Mills, Edita Food Industries, and Juhayna Food Industries. These companies are major consumers of soybeans for their food processing operations, driving demand in the market.
Trends
One of the key trends in the Egyptian soybean market is the increasing demand for soybean oil, driven by the growing food processing industry. Additionally, Egypt’s efforts to diversify its import sources and reduce dependence on a single country are expected to shape the market in the coming years.
7. Iran
Import Volume
Iran is a significant importer of soybeans, primarily used for food processing and animal feed. In 2025, Iran imported over 3 million metric tons of soybeans, sourced from countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Ukraine.
Key Players
Some of the key players in the Iranian soybean import market include Behshahr Industrial Development Corporation, Golestan Agro-Industrial Company, and Caspian Seashell Company. These companies are major consumers of soybeans for their food processing operations, driving demand in the market.
Trends
One of the key trends in the Iranian soybean market is the increasing demand for soybean meal, driven by the growing livestock industry. Additionally, Iran’s efforts to promote sustainable sourcing practices and reduce its environmental impact are expected to shape the market in the coming years.
8. Turkey
Import Volume
Turkey is a significant importer of soybeans, primarily used for food processing and animal feed. In 2025, Turkey imported over 2 million metric tons of soybeans, sourced from countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Ukraine.
Key Players
Some of the key players in the Turkish soybean import market include Cargill, Bunge, and CHS Inc. These companies are major traders and processors of soybeans, supplying a wide range of industries in Turkey.
Trends
One of the key trends in the Turkish soybean market is the increasing demand for soybean oil, driven by the growing food processing industry. Additionally, Turkey’s efforts to diversify its import sources and reduce dependence on a single country are expected to shape the market in the coming years.
9. Vietnam
Import Volume
Vietnam is a significant importer of soybeans, primarily used for food processing and animal feed. In 2025, Vietnam imported over 1.5 million metric tons of soybeans, sourced from countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Ukraine.
Key Players
Some of the key players in the Vietnamese soybean import market include Cargill, Wilmar International, and Louis Dreyfus Company. These companies are major traders and processors of soybeans, supplying a wide range of industries in Vietnam.
Trends
One of the key trends in the Vietnamese soybean market is the increasing demand for soy protein products, driven by health-conscious consumers. Additionally, Vietnam’s efforts to promote sustainable sourcing practices and reduce its environmental impact are expected to influence the market in the coming years.
10. Thailand
Import Volume
Thailand is a significant importer of soybeans, primarily used for food processing and animal feed. In 2025, Thailand imported over 1 million metric tons of soybeans, sourced from countries such as the United States, Brazil, and Argentina.
Key Players
Some of the key players in the Thai soybean import market include Charoen Pokphand Foods, Thai Union Group, and Betagro Group. These companies are major consumers of soybeans for their food processing operations, driving demand in the market.
Trends
One of the key trends in the Thai soybean market is the increasing demand for soybean meal, driven by the growing livestock industry. Additionally, Thailand’s efforts to diversify its import sources and reduce dependence on a single country are expected to shape the market in the coming years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the global soybean market is highly dynamic, with the top importing countries playing a crucial role in shaping the industry. As demand for soybeans continues to grow, it is essential for key players in the market to adapt to changing trends and consumer preferences to remain competitive. By understanding the import volumes, key players, and trends in the top soybean importing countries, stakeholders can make informed decisions and capitalize on opportunities in the global soybean market.
