US soybean industry targets Bangladesh as imports and crushing capacity grow
US soybean exporters are intensifying their focus on Bangladesh as the country expands feed demand and domestic crushing. US soybeans supplied 84% of Bangladesh’s imports in the first eight months of MY26, while its MY27 imports are forecast at 2.4 million tonnes.
Bangladesh moves up the US soybean agenda
The US soybean industry is intensifying efforts to diversify its export markets, with Bangladesh emerging as a priority buyer as its poultry, aquaculture and livestock industries expand. The Business Standard reported that rising South Asian demand is helping offset weaker shipments to some traditional destinations.
US Soybean Export Council projections indicate that US exports of whole soybeans, soybean meal and soybean oil will grow 5% in the 2026-27 marketing year. The council is using its two-day Soy Connext conference in Chicago to connect suppliers with buyers and discuss market diversification, sustainability, global market conditions and supply-chain resilience.
More than 850 participants are expected at the event, including about 400 international buyers from 67 countries. Bangladesh is represented by a 10-member business delegation whose participants include Delta Agrofood Industries, Mahbub Group, Akij Feed, Nahar Agro and KGS Group. The delegates are scheduled to meet US exporters and visit farms and processing facilities.
US share of Bangladeshi imports reaches 84%
US Department of Agriculture data cited by The Business Standard show that the United States supplied 84% of Bangladesh’s soybean imports during the first eight months of MY26. That compares with 48% during the corresponding period a year earlier, demonstrating a rapid shift in sourcing toward US suppliers.
Bangladesh is expected to import 2.4 million tonnes of soybeans in MY27, an increase of 4.3% from the previous year. Domestic crushing is projected to reach 2.35 million tonnes. Imported beans are processed into edible soybean oil and soybean meal, an essential feed ingredient for the country’s poultry, livestock and aquaculture sectors.
The commercial relationship already includes a $1.25 billion purchase commitment signed in November 2025. Under that agreement, Meghna Group of Industries, City Group, Delta Agrofood Industries, Mahbub Group and KGS Group committed to buying US soybeans and soybean meal over the following 12 months.
Larger US crop supports market diversification
The export campaign is developing as the US industry prepares for stronger global demand by raising production and adding domestic crushing capacity. The USDA’s July outlook forecasts a record US soybean harvest of 4.5 billion bushels this season. Farmers planted 85.4 million acres, 5% more than a year earlier.
US soybean meal exports reached a record 16.3 million tonnes in MY25, according to the US Soybean Export Council, representing year-on-year growth of 13.9%. Shipments of whole soybeans have also increased to Japan, Indonesia and South Asia during MY26. Mexico remains one of the largest buyers, while Egypt has significantly expanded its imports.
US Soybean Export Council chief executive Jim Sutter said sales outside the industry’s traditional markets had risen strongly year to date after setting a record last year. He said US soy competes through premium value rather than price. For Bangladesh’s crushers and feed producers, the developing relationship offers access to larger US supplies; for US growers and exporters, it provides another outlet as they seek a broader geographical customer base.
