U.S. soybean exports wrapped up 2025 stronger than many expected, even as trade tensions created challenges in some key markets.
According to Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council, the year finished with the third-highest total soy complex exports ever recorded. That included record soybean meal exports along with solid shipments of whole soybeans and soybean oil.
Sutter says retaliatory tariffs connected to trade disputes slowed purchases from China, particularly during the typical buying window that occurs around the U.S. harvest season.
However, shipments to other destinations have helped offset some of that slowdown. Sutter says exports to markets outside China are currently running about 11 percent ahead of where they were at the same time last year.
Sutter says growing global demand for protein continues to support soybean consumption as livestock and aquaculture production expand around the world. Soybean meal remains a key ingredient in feed rations used for poultry, pork, and fish production.
The council continues working with buyers across a wide range of countries to demonstrate the value of U.S. soybeans and expand export opportunities in emerging markets. Industry leaders say diversifying export destinations will remain an important strategy as global competition in soybean production continues to increase.
