Source: Oleoscope (Russia)
Argentina soybean production is set to reach unprecedented levels in the coming agricultural season. The South American nation continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in oilseed cultivation and processing. Furthermore, new forecasts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicate a significant expansion in output. This growth reflects favorable conditions and strategic crop rotation decisions by Argentine farmers.
Argentina will harvest a record soybean crop in the 2026-2027 season—49 million tons. Moreover, this forecast comes from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This figure is 1 million tons higher than previous estimates. Additionally, it indicates a return to stable, typical yields after this year’s abnormally high results.
Argentina Soybean Production: Acreage Expansion Drives Growth
The increase in production will be achieved through an expansion of soybean acreage. Soybean acreage is expected to reach 17.4 million hectares. Furthermore, this represents 900,000 hectares more than in the 2025-2026 season. Analysts cite a reduction in corn acreage as the main reason for this expansion. Moreover, this shift reflects the classic dynamics of crop rotation. Farmers are also considering the relative profitability of the crops when making planting decisions.
“Soybean production regions in Argentina are well established.” “A significant reduction in area is not expected, as most arable land is already in cultivation, and fluctuations in area are determined by farmers’ crop rotation decisions,” the FAS report emphasizes.
Fertilizer Costs and Processing Capacity
Global fertilizer prices remain a key factor that could influence the final harvest. Following geopolitical events that caused a sharp spike in prices, Argentina faces significant challenges. Specifically, prices rose up more than $200 per ton in just one week. Consequently, Argentina finds itself in a vulnerable position. The country has minimal domestic reserves of agrochemicals. Additionally, it is critically dependent on the stability of global supplies.
Despite the record harvest, domestic soybean consumption for processing into oil and meal will also reach historic highs. Processing volume is projected at 42 million tonnes. Moreover, this represents 63% of total mill capacity. This activity will result in the production of 31.9 million tonnes of soybean meal.
Export Leadership and Global Trade
Argentina will maintain its status as the world’s leading exporter of soybean meal and oil. Approximately 30 million tonnes of meal are expected to be exported. Meanwhile, almost all soybean exports (5.5 million tons) will traditionally go to China. Furthermore, China purchases over 90% of Argentina’s soybeans. This trade relationship remains a cornerstone of Argentina’s agricultural economy.
“Argentina will maintain its position as the world leader in soybean product exports thanks to one of the most developed industrial bases in the world,” FAS stated.
Previously, the FAS service noted that Argentina took first place in soybean meal exports. Additionally, it maintained this position in 2025-2026 with shipment volumes of 29 million tons.