The soybean and biodiesel production chain registered a growth of 11.721% of GDP in 2025, according to a study by Cepea (Esalq\/USP) in partnership with Abiove. This performance was supported by a record soybean harvest in Brazil, the intensification of industrial processing, and strong demand for derivatives in both the domestic and international markets.<\/p>\n
With this result, the sector will represent 21.61% of the agribusiness GDP and 5.41% of the national GDP in 2025, consolidating its relevance within the Brazilian economy.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nPhotos: Jaelson Lucas \/ AEN Archive<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The advance was mainly based on the 2024\/25 harvest, which reached 171.5 million tons, a record volume in the country. This scenario stimulated the entire production chain, from inputs to agribusiness. The input segment grew by 2.71%, influenced by the expansion of the planted area and the intensification of production in the field.<\/p>\n
In agricultural production, the GDP of soybeans advanced 23.411% of the year, directly reflecting the historical performance of the harvest. The agro-industry grew by 5.211% of the year, with expansion in all sub-segments. Soybean crushing increased by 5.151% of the year, supported by the greater supply of the grain and the demand for derivatives, especially oil and meal. Domestic oil consumption was boosted by biodiesel, while exports also grew. In meal, there was a record in domestic consumption and an increase in external sales, with historical processing levels in Brazil and worldwide.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nPhoto: Disclosure<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Biodiesel was one of the highlights of the year, contributing 8.51% to GDP, reflecting strong demand and the increase in the mandatory blend from 14% to 15% starting in August 2025, which led to a new record production. The animal feed industry also grew, with an increase of 2.80%, driven by poultry farming and higher domestic demand.<\/p>\n
The agricultural services segment registered an expansion of 9.4%, keeping pace with the more intense rhythm of production and agro-industry. Despite GDP growth, the real income of the chain experienced a slight decrease of 0.55%, pressured by a reduction of 10.98% in relative prices, in a scenario of ample global supply of soybeans and derivatives.<\/p>\n
In terms of added value, each ton of soybeans produced and processed generated R$ 7,608 in 2025, a value 4.09 times higher than that of soybeans exported without processing (R$ 1,862 per ton).<\/p>\n
In the labor market, the sector employed 2.39 million people in 2025, an increase of 5.521% compared to the previous year, accounting for 2.341% of the Brazilian economy and 10.211% of agribusiness. There was growth in employment in inputs, biodiesel, and agricultural services, while soybean production, crushing, and the animal feed industry registered a decline. According to Cepea\/Abiove, this trend reflects the high mechanization of agriculture, productivity gains, and regional changes in production, as well as factors such as idle capacity and industrial automation.<\/p>\n
Exports from the supply chain totaled 133.72 million tons, an increase of 7.751% compared to 2024. However, the value of exports decreased by 1.461%, totaling US$53.46 billion, pressured by a drop of 8.541% in international prices, influenced by ample global supply. Even so, there was revenue growth in products such as oil, biodiesel, and glycerol, while soybean meal and protein registered a decline. China maintained its leading position as the main destination, but there was an increase in shipments to the European Union, Southeast Asia, and India.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n