United States Soybean Market Size & Forecast 2025–2033

The United States Soybean Market is expected to reach US$ 51.06 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand to US$ 73.12 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.07% during the forecast period (2025–2033), according to Renub Research. This growth trajectory highlights the increasing reliance on soybeans for plant-based proteins, animal feed applications, sustainable industrial uses, and booming global export opportunities, especially from emerging markets across Asia.

Today, soybeans are not just another crop—they are a strategic commodity shaping America’s agricultural economy, supply chains, global trade relationships, and climate-focused innovations. This editorial dives deep into why the U.S. soybean market is expanding, the key drivers behind this growth, the pressing obstacles, and the shifting regional market dynamics.

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United States Soybean Market Outlook

Soybeans have long been celebrated as one of the most versatile and economically significant crops in the United States. Known for their rich protein and oil content, soybeans anchor a wide range of industries—from food and beverages to livestock feed, biofuels, industrial applications, and emerging plant-based product categories.

In the U.S., soybeans primarily undergo processing into:

Soybean oil, widely used for cooking, packaged foods, and industrial applications

Soybean meal, the backbone of livestock and poultry feed due to its high protein content

But the soybean story has evolved far beyond feedlots and frying pans.

Today, soy-based ingredients are central to the exploding plant-based food market, powering products like tofu, tempeh, soy milk, textured vegetable protein (TVP), vegan meat analogs, and protein bars. As health-conscious, vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian diets rise nationwide, soybeans have cemented their spot as a top-tier plant protein source.

Simultaneously, soybeans are gaining relevance in industrial sustainability efforts, including:

Biodiesel

Biodegradable plastics

Adhesives and solvents

Eco-friendly household products

As one of the world’s largest soybean producers and exporters, the United States maintains a dominant position in global markets, propelled by rising demand for sustainable proteins and renewable industrial inputs.

Key Growth Drivers in the U.S. Soybean Market

1. Rising Demand for Plant-Based Protein

A significant shift in dietary habits is reshaping the American food market. Millions of consumers are adopting:

Vegan diets

Vegetarian lifestyles

Flexitarian eating patterns

High-protein, clean-label diets

Soybeans, which contain all nine essential amino acids, stand out as one of the few complete plant proteins—making them invaluable in the plant-based food revolution.

Soy-based products such as:

Soy milk

Tofu

Tempeh

Meat substitutes

Protein powders

RTD protein shakes

Soy yogurts

are experiencing rising adoption across supermarkets, foodservice channels, and health food brands.

Recent Industry Development:

In May 2025, Bunge launched a new line of advanced soy protein concentrates at IFFA, produced in the company’s new Indiana facility—the world’s largest food-grade soy protein plant. The US$ 550 million investment demonstrates Bunge’s commitment to meeting soaring global demand for high-quality plant protein.

This shift perfectly aligns with sustainability-conscious consumers looking to reduce their environmental footprint, especially given the high carbon and resource intensity of animal agriculture.

2. Growing Industrial & Biofuel Applications

Soybeans are increasingly critical in the renewable energy transition, most notably in biodiesel production. Soybean oil is a key feedstock for biofuels, and U.S. policy momentum is accelerating the shift.

Government initiatives encouraging:

Renewable diesel

Low-carbon fuel standards

Higher blending mandates

are driving demand for soybean-based biofuel inputs.

Industry Update — July 2025:

American biofuel manufacturers are expected to consume over half of all U.S. soybean oil due to new federal policies, including import restrictions and increased blending requirements. USDA projects soybean oil use in biofuel will reach a record 15.5 billion pounds, up 26.5% year-over-year.

Soybeans are also playing a growing role in:

Biodegradable plastics

Bio-lubricants

Eco-friendly packaging

Industrial coatings and inks

These emerging segments expand the market far beyond traditional agriculture.

3. Rising Export Opportunities

The United States is consistently one of the largest soybean exporters globally, supported by robust agricultural infrastructure and long-standing trade partnerships.

Key importing countries include:

China

Mexico

Japan

South Korea

Southeast Asian nations

These regions rely heavily on U.S. soybeans for food manufacturing and livestock feed.

Nearly 60% of the U.S. soybean crop is exported as whole beans, meal, or oil. The U.S. Soybean Export Council, with operations in over 85 countries, continues to strengthen market access and global demand.

Rising international demand for animal protein—especially in developing economies—will further accelerate the global need for soybean meal.

Challenges & Obstacles in the U.S. Soybean Industry

1. Price Volatility & Trade Uncertainty

The soybean market is highly exposed to geopolitical developments. Prices fluctuate based on:

Global trade tensions

Currency variations

Tariff changes

Shipment disruptions

Demand uncertainty from China

Extreme weather events

This volatility complicates planning and profitability for farmers, processors, and exporters.

2. Environmental & Sustainability Concerns

Soybean production faces increased scrutiny due to:

Soil degradation

Water-intensive farming

Pesticide concerns

Deforestation (globally)

Biodiversity loss

As consumers push for sustainable agricultural practices, farmers face pressure to adopt:

Regenerative soil practices

Water-efficient irrigation

Reduced chemical usage

Non-GMO and organic farming

Balancing environmental expectations with production costs remains a major challenge.

United States Organic Soybean Market

Demand for organic, non-GMO soybeans is growing rapidly as consumers prefer chemical-free and clean-label foods.

Applications include:

Tofu and tempeh

Soy milk

Organic meat substitutes

Organic baby foods

Premium livestock feed

Challenges include:

Higher production costs

Limited supply

Price volatility

However, rising health awareness continues to drive this segment upward.

United States Processed Soybean Market

Processed soybeans underpin key U.S. industries, including:

Food manufacturing

Animal feed

Biofuels

Industrial products

Major processed forms include:

Soybean oil

Soybean meal

Textured vegetable protein (TVP)

Isolates and concentrates

Lecithin

Steady demand across food processing, renewable energy, and industrial applications ensures this segment’s long-term dominance.

United States Soybean Food & Beverages Market

Soy-based foods are becoming mainstream nationwide as consumers adopt healthier lifestyles. Popular products include:

Plant-based beverages

Meat alternatives

Snack bars

Breakfast cereals

Vegan bakery goods

With environmental and ethical eating gaining momentum, this segment is expected to see significant product innovation through 2033.

Regional Insights: Top Performing State Markets

California

California’s population leads trends in vegan, organic, and health-focused foods. Demand for tofu, soy milk, plant-based meats, and organic soy products thrives in its mature retail and foodservice ecosystems.

Texas

As a major agricultural state, Texas uses soybeans extensively in livestock feed and biofuel production. Advancements in renewable diesel strengthen demand further.

New York

Urban populations drive strong demand for plant-based foods and clean-label products. The state also supports organic and sustainable farming initiatives.

Washington

Known for its environmentally conscious consumer base, Washington supports strong demand for organic and processed soy products. Its export-friendly ports boost shipments to Asia.

Other key states include:

Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, and New Jersey.

Market Segmentation

By Nature

Conventional

Organic

By Form

Processed

Raw

By End User

Food & Beverages

Animal Feed

Others

Top 10 States

California, Texas, New York, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, Washington, New Jersey, and the Rest of the U.S.

Key Players (With 5 Viewpoints Covered)

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. (ADM)

These companies are extensively evaluated through:

Overview, Key Person, Recent Developments, SWOT Analysis, Revenue Analysis

Final Thoughts

The United States Soybean Market stands at the crossroads of sustainability, innovation, and global nutrition. With rising demand for plant-based proteins, expanding biofuel applications, and surging export opportunities, the market is positioned for robust growth through 2033. Despite challenges such as price volatility and sustainability pressures, the U.S. remains a global soybean powerhouse driving the future of food, energy, and industry.

As America transitions into a greener and more protein-conscious future, soybeans continue to play an indispensable role—proving that this humble legume is one of the most influential crops of the 21st century.