Demand growing for US soybean meal

MANILA, Philippines — American soybean meal exports to the country are expected to grow by at least five percent annually over the next five years, driven by growing demand for animal protein, an industry group said.

The US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) projected soybean meal exports to the Philippines to grow by an average of five to eight percent annually in volume as local poultry and pork production continue to expand.

“The Philippines recognizes US soy as a key ingredient in animal feed. Soy remains competitively priced, making it a valuable ingredient for producers,” Timothy Loh, USSEC regional director for Southeast Asia and Oceania, told The STAR.

“Additionally, lower prices tend to encourage higher purchases, creating a favorable outlook for US soybean meal in the Philippine market,” Loh added.

He pointed out that the increase in soy demand is also supported by the country’s population growth, improving economic conditions and growing protein consumption.

“We’re going to continue to see growth in the Philippines, driven by population increase, improving economic conditions and rising protein consumption,” he said.

US soybean meal exports to the Philippines in the current market year (October 2024 - September 2025) as of April 3 increased slightly to nearly 1.4 million metric tons from 1.37 million MT in the same period last year.

The country remains the US top market for soybean meal, a critical ingredient that provides protein in animal feed products.

US soybean meal exports to the Philippines in the previous market year rose by more than a fifth year-on-year to 2.6 million MT from 2.14 million MT.

USSEC noted that local feed manufacturers prefer US soybean meal due to its superior quality, consistency and nutritional value, particularly its protein digestibility and balanced amino acid profile.

“The Philippine feed industry increasingly recognizes the lower carbon footprint and sustainable production practices of US soybean meal as food companies start to develop their reporting for Scope 3 carbon emissions,” the group said.

“These trends align with the country’s growing focus on environmental responsibility and sustainable sourcing.”

Meanwhile, US exports of soybeans to the Philippines in the current market year as of April 3 rose by a third year-on-year to 58,500 MT from 43,700 MT.

“The Philippines’ growing soy food sector stands to benefit from US soy’s quality and versatility, supporting the production of high-value products such as soy beverages, tofu and other soy-based foods,” USSEC said.