Soybeans market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the soybean market volume in Germany grew from 3 543 thousand tonnes to 3 915 thousand tonnes. Domestic production increased from 59 thousand tonnes to 91 thousand tonnes, supported by the market's early focus on regionality and the development of meat substitute products from soy protein isolates and concentrates, which encouraged local cultivation.

Between 2021 and 2023, the overall market volume declined to 3 359 thousand tonnes, while domestic production rose steadily to 129 thousand tonnes. This period was marked by a strong emphasis on in-house production and processing, with growing interest in regional cultivation and processing of pulses including soybeans. Variety trials in Lower Saxony showed promising opportunities for expansion, though higher fertilizer costs and political pressure on crop rotations influenced farming decisions.

In 2024, soybean imports recovered to 3 643 thousand tonnes. The cultivation area expanded to approximately 41 000 hectares, with efforts to extend growth to northern Germany. Rising demand for non-GMO and organic soybeans, driven by organic poultry production and consumer shifts toward plant-based proteins, alongside political uncertainties and a new agricultural export strategy, shaped the market environment.

Production soybeans in Germany

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of soybeans, 2017-2020

World map of production of soybeans, 2017-2020

Germany's soybean production volume has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Germany produced 90 500 tonnes of soybeans, marking a 7.6% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 37.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 11.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 58 700 tonnes. That year also saw the largest decline of 11.1%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2019 with a 43.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's soybean production value has risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 43 976 thousand US dollars, representing a 31.9% increase over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 63.3%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 17.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 26 005 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 3.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports soybeans from Germany

Exports in kind, K t

Germany's soybean export volume has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 44 thousand tonnes, reflecting a sharp year-on-year decrease of 45.9%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 67.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -31.2%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2018 at 159 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 48.6% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2018 with a 17.5% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Hungary, and Czechia consistently held the top positions in Germany's soybean export structure by volume. Poland accounted for 55.0% of exports, Hungary for 10.3%, and Czechia for 8.8%. Together, these three countries represented 74.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Germany's soybean exports in value terms have decreased for the second year running. In 2020, exports amounted to 21 million US dollars, showing a substantial decline of 33.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value dropped by 61.1%, equating to an annualized decrease of 27.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 70 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 54.0% fall, while the most significant increase was in 2018 with a 27.6% rise.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, Poland, Hungary, and Czechia formed the core markets for Germany's soybean exports by value. Poland represented 52.3% of export value, Hungary 9.4%, and Czechia 8.3%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 70.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports soybeans to Germany

Imports in kind, K t

Germany's soybean import volume has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Germany imported 3 869 thousand tonnes of soybeans, up by 5.4% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 28.2%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 8.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and Brazil together accounted for 85.2% of Germany's soybean imports by volume. Other countries contributed to a more diversified but less significant portion of the import structure.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Germany's soybean import value stood at 1 578 million US dollars, representing a 12.2% increase over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import value rose by 27.8%, with an annualized growth rate of 8.5%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 with a 5.2% drop, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018 with a 20.1% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Brazil jointly accounted for 83.3% of Germany's soybean import value. The remaining volume was distributed across various smaller markets.

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

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