Soybean oilcake market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, soybean oilcake production in SADC grew from 1 106 to 1 481 thousand tons, while the market volume expanded from 1 704 to 2 034 thousand tons. This sustained increase was primarily driven by capital investment in crushing infrastructure, which added 600 000 tons of annual capacity over two years and supported import substitution. The rising demand for animal feed, linked to a growing middle class seeking high-protein food, provided a consistent pull for greater local output.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused global supply chain disruptions, affecting soybean trade flows. However, expanded domestic crushing capacity helped mitigate import dependency during this period. Subsequently, the ongoing exploration of new export markets, including the near-ratification of a trade protocol with China, alongside continued infrastructure investment, supported production growth even as market volume saw a temporary adjustment in 2022 due to shifting trade patterns.

By 2023, production reached 1 847 thousand tons and the market volume stood at 2 071 thousand tons. The market's upward trajectory was maintained, underpinned by the established crushing capacity and a policy focus on stabilizing feed prices through domestic production, without major new regulatory changes influencing the period.

Production soybean oilcake in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of soybean oilcake, 2017-2020

World map of production of soybean oilcake, 2017-2020

SADC's soybean oilcake production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 1 327 K t of soybean oilcake, marking a strong 11.7% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 50%, with an average annual growth rate of 14.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports soybean oilcake from SADC

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable pattern over the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 64.6 K t, then peaked in 2017, with a 3.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, SADC's soybean oilcake exports totaled 174.7 K t, reflecting a sharp year-over-year increase of 116.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 67.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from SADC in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Kenya and Rwanda were the primary destinations for soybean oilcake exports in kind, accounting for 11.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from SADC in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, SADC exported 105.8 M $ US of soybean oilcake, showing a modest 3.5% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 31.4%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 9.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 123.8 M $ US, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 17.5%. The largest increase was in 2018, at 53.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from SADC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Kenya and Rwanda remained the top markets for soybean oilcake exports in value terms from SADC, together making up 13.1% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from SADC in value, 2017-2020

Imports soybean oilcake to SADC

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, foreign soybean oilcake supplies to SADC amounted to 669.7 K t, which is 6.2% lower than in 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 11.3%, with an annualized rate of 3.9%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 662.9 K t, and the largest decline occurred that same year at 12.2%. The largest increase was in 2019, at 7.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to SADC in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina, India, and Paraguay were the leading sources for soybean oilcake imports in kind to SADC. Argentina accounted for 65.3% of imports, India for 3.6%, and Paraguay for 2.1%, together representing 71.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to SADC in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of soybean oilcake to SADC registered 262.3 M $ US, indicating a slight 2.3% year-over-year uptick. Over the period 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 6.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.2%. The minimum value was in 2019 at 256.5 M $ US, while the maximum was in 2018 at 289.8 M $ US. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 11.5%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 3.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to SADC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Argentina, India, and Paraguay formed the core group of markets for soybean oilcake imports in value terms to SADC. Argentina contributed 59.7% of imports, India 4.7%, and Paraguay 2.2%, together accounting for 66.6% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to SADC in value, 2017-2020