The oilseed processing industry is reaching a historic milestone in 2025/26, as the global soybean crush record surpasses 100 million tonnes for the very first time. Strong processing activity across the USA, South America, and Asia is fueling this remarkable achievement. Furthermore, rising demand for soybean oil and soybean meal continues to push forecasts higher, marking a turning point for the entire global oilseeds sector.
Global Soybean Crush Record Breaks the 100 Million Tonne Barrier
Analysts at Oil World (Germany) have raised the global soybean processing forecast for the 2025/26 marketing year by 2 million tonnes. As a result, the new forecast stands at 100.26 million tonnes. This figure, therefore, surpasses the record of the previous season, which reached 96.46 million tonnes. Current processing volumes are driving forecasts upward for the USA, South America, and Asia. The primary reason behind this growth is increased demand for soybean oil and soybean meal.
USA Processing Activity Climbs Sharply in 2025/26
Soybean processing in the USA rose in March to 6.30 million tonnes. This represents an increase of 8% compared to February, which recorded 5.83 million tonnes. Moreover, it marks an 11% rise compared to March 2025, when processing reached 5.63 million tonnes. The supply of soybean meal from the USA grew significantly, both for domestic use and for export. Additionally, soybean meal consumption rose during the period from October 2025 to March 2026 by 1.4 million tonnes, which equals an increase of 8% year-on-year.
Overall, the total soybean processing volume in the country has grown by almost 9% since the start of the 2025/26 marketing year. It consequently reached an estimated 42.6 million tonnes, compared to 39.16 million tonnes in the September–March period of 2024/25.
South America Also Drives the Global Soybean Crush Record Higher
Processing activity in South American countries has also increased noticeably. In Brazil, the processing volume in March reached 5.50 million tonnes. This is 4.6% more than in March of the previous year, when Brazil processed 5.26 million tonnes. Furthermore, it is 29.4% more than in February, which recorded only 4.25 million tonnes.
Argentina, however, experienced a less productive month compared to the previous year. The processing volume there totalled 2.90 million tonnes in March. This is 10.2% less than in March 2025, which reached 3.23 million tonnes. Nevertheless, it is significantly more — by 45.7% — than in February, when Argentina processed just 1.99 million tonnes.
Overall, the current situation points to steady growth in global demand for soy products. Therefore, despite shifts in international trade patterns, high production and processing volumes remain achievable.
Source: Ukragroconsult (Ukraine)