Brazil is projected to process 62.2 million tons of soybeans in 2026, according to Abiove.

Brazil is expected to reach its highest ever soybean processing volume in 2026, driven by a robust harvest and increased demand for soybean derivatives in both the domestic and international markets. The new projection released by the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries (Abiove) estimates that soybean crushing will reach 62.2 million tons next year, a result 1.11 times higher than previously forecast.

Photo: Press release/Aprosoja MT

The growth in processing reinforces the trend of expanding soybean industrialization in the country, especially in higher value-added products such as meal and oil.

According to Abiove, soybean meal production is expected to reach 47.9 million tons in 2026, while oil production is estimated at 12.5 million tons.

According to Daniel Furlan Amaral, Director of Economics and Regulatory Affairs at the organization, the numbers reflect the Brazilian industry's capacity for adaptation and expansion in the face of growing raw material supply. "The positive adjustment in processing expectations demonstrates the sector's resilience in the face of the record harvest. The conversion of raw materials into higher value-added products strengthens the pillars of Brazil's energy matrix and food supply," he stated.

Photo: Geraldo Bubniak/AEN

In addition to industrial growth, Brazil is expected to maintain its global leadership in soybean exports. Abiove's projection points to shipments of 113.6 million tons in 2026, keeping the country as the world's main supplier of the commodity.

In the by-products sector, soybean meal exports are estimated at 24.6 million tons. Meanwhile, soybean oil shipments are expected to reach 1.5 million tons, an increase of 3.31% compared to previous forecasts.

Operational data from the first months of 2026 already indicate an acceleration of industrial activity. In February, soybean processing totaled 3.546 million tons, an increase of 8.51% compared to the same month in 2025, considering the adjustment for the sample percentage used by the entity.

Photo: Press release/Aprosoja-MT

In the first two months of the year, processing reached 7.421 million tons, a growth of 6.41% compared to the same period last year.

This performance reinforces the trend of greater utilization of the installed capacity of the Brazilian crushing industry, in a scenario of strong grain supply, expansion of domestic consumption, and increased demand for biodiesel and animal protein.

Soybean meal is one of the main inputs used in the production of feed for poultry, swine, and confined cattle, while soybean oil plays a strategic role in both the food industry and the energy matrix, especially in biodiesel production.

The expansion of domestic processing is also closely monitored by the sector because it represents greater value retention within the country, reducing exclusive dependence on the export of raw grains and increasing income generation and industrial activity in producing regions.