10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Soybean Oil
10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Soybean Oil
10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Soybean Oil - According to FAO
Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in 2026, there are 10 World’s Biggest
Country Producers of Soybean Oil in 2023.
Soybean oil is one of the widely used vegetable oils extracted from the
seeds of the soybean plant (Glycine max). Commonly, soybean oil still becomes
one of the most used cooking oils because of its versatility, affordability,
and neutral flavour. In the culinary industry, as a cooking oil, soybean oil
has some distinguished characteristics including High Smoke Point of around
450°F (230°C) and it is highly stable at high temperatures, making it excellent
for frying, roasting, and baking. Furthermore, it has neutral flavour, so it
doesn't overpower the taste of other ingredients. In addition, in industrial
aspects, soybean oil commonly can be used as Biodiesel, solvents, industrial
lubricants, paints, varnishes, resins, and even soy-based inks for printing.
In
common life, Soybean is one of the most important crops in the world. Many
people plant this special, Glycine max, due to the huge demand of human
consumption. Soybean (Glycine max)
is the Leguminosae crop that has protein-enriched crops. Agronomically, this plant has robust
resistance in drought conditions. Many rainfed areas plant this species despite
the lack of water.
Based
on biological taxonomy, this crop can be classified into Order: Fabales;
Family: Fabaceae; Subfamily: Faboideae; Genus: Glycine; Species: Glycine max.
Because of this classification, this crops still has closed relationship with
Phaseolus (beans), Pisum sativum (pea), Cicer arietinum (chickpeas), Vicia faba
(broad bean), Medicago sativa (alfalfa), Arachis hypogaea (peanut).
The World’s Production of Soybean Oil from 1961 to 2023
|
Years |
World's
Production of Soybean Oil |
|
(Tons) |
|
|
1961 |
3,036,558 |
|
1962 |
3,324,245 |
|
1963 |
3,556,811 |
|
1964 |
3,544,628 |
|
1965 |
3,829,741 |
|
1966 |
4,326,621 |
|
1967 |
4,618,041 |
|
1968 |
4,627,966 |
|
1969 |
5,046,348 |
|
1970 |
6,262,900 |
|
1971 |
6,595,381 |
|
1972 |
6,655,224 |
|
1973 |
6,810,315 |
|
1974 |
8,316,560 |
|
1975 |
7,767,487 |
|
1976 |
9,624,898 |
|
1977 |
9,581,015 |
|
1978 |
11,085,130 |
|
1979 |
11,959,456 |
|
1980 |
13,195,359 |
|
1981 |
13,011,765 |
|
1982 |
13,188,114 |
|
1983 |
13,893,313 |
|
1984 |
13,228,251 |
|
1985 |
14,088,349 |
|
1986 |
14,187,468 |
|
1987 |
15,487,133 |
|
1988 |
15,501,713 |
|
1989 |
15,067,826 |
|
1990 |
15,921,889 |
|
1991 |
15,987,484 |
|
1992 |
17,380,924 |
|
1993 |
17,718,733 |
|
1994 |
18,180,669 |
|
1995 |
20,113,852 |
|
1996 |
20,616,140 |
|
1997 |
21,130,229 |
|
1998 |
24,362,773 |
|
1999 |
25,192,841 |
|
2000 |
25,626,340 |
|
2001 |
27,718,296 |
|
2002 |
29,047,403 |
|
2003 |
30,837,212 |
|
2004 |
30,704,636 |
|
2005 |
34,228,661 |
|
2006 |
34,987,441 |
|
2007 |
37,462,466 |
|
2008 |
36,039,025 |
|
2009 |
36,453,883 |
|
2010 |
40,088,296 |
|
2011 |
41,773,767 |
|
2012 |
41,917,098 |
|
2013 |
42,613,619 |
|
2014 |
45,851,594 |
|
2015 |
50,799,112 |
|
2016 |
53,355,664 |
|
2017 |
56,783,902 |
|
2018 |
56,751,994 |
|
2019 |
60,830,068 |
|
2020 |
58,601,476 |
|
2021 |
61,270,821 |
|
2022 |
59,054,275 |
|
2023 |
59,911,090 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|
Statistically,
according to the FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in 2026, the
world’s production of soybean oil gradually increased from 1961 to 2023. In the
year of 1961, the world’s production of soybean oil was just 3 million tons.
After more than 40 years, precisely in 2023, the world’s production of soybean
oil became 59 million tons. Overall, from 1961 to 2023, the world’s production
of soybean oil has increased more than 55 million tons.
The Statistical Production of Soybean Oil Based on Continental Region in 2023
|
Continental
Region |
Production
of Soybean Oil in 2023 |
|
(Tons) |
|
|
Africa |
1,459,654 |
|
Americas |
31,022,019 |
|
Asia |
23,011,763 |
|
Europe |
4,409,854 |
|
Oceania |
7,800 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
|
Specifically,
in the continental region, the production of soybean oil could be distributed
into some regions. Americas regions still become the major production area with
output around 31 million tons or 56% of all world's production. Furthermore,
Asia and Europe are the next regions with big production. In 2023, the
production of soybeans from Asia and Europe is around 23 million tons and 4.4
million tons, respectively.
Based
on the Country region, there are 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of
Soybean Oil in 2023. They have huge production of soybean oil. Here are 10
World’s Biggest Country Producers Soybean Oil in 2023. Overall, the data was
obtained from FAO Statistical Corporate (FAOSTAT) Database in 2026.
The Rank 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Soybean Oil 2023
|
Rank |
Countries |
Production
of Soybean Oil in 2023 |
|
(Tons) |
||
|
1 |
China, mainland |
17,356,200 |
|
2 |
United States of America |
12,227,000 |
|
3 |
Brazil |
10,890,989 |
|
4 |
Argentina |
5,275,641 |
|
5 |
India |
2,093,000 |
|
6 |
Russian Federation |
1,015,900 |
|
7 |
Mexico |
993,791 |
|
8 |
Paraguay |
634,400 |
|
9 |
Germany |
606,500 |
|
10 |
Spain |
579,400 |
|
Source: FAOSTAT, 2026 |
||
Brief Description of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Soybean Oil in 2023
1.China, mainland
China
became the biggest country producer of soybean oil in 2023. According to the
FAO Statistical Corporate Database in 2026, the production of soybean oil from
this Panda country reached 17,356,200 tons. Geographically, there are some
regions in China with the biggest production of Soybean located in northwestern
China. The Heilongjiang province still became the main area of Soybean
production in China. Statistically, China still imports its soybean from the
USA, Brazil and Argentina to fulfil the domestic needs in China. Functionally,
in China, Soybean Oil still became the most favourable vegetable oil accounting
for roughly 44% of all edible oil consumed in China. In terms of business
aspect, some of the companies manage the soybean oil business including Yihai
Kerry Arawana, COFCO, Sinograin, Jiusan Group, and Shandong Bohi.
2.United States of America
The
United States of America still became the 2nd world’s biggest
country producer of soybean oil in 2023. According to the FAO Statistical
Corporate Database in 2026, the production of Soybean Oil from Barack Obama’s
country reached 11,227,000 tons. Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Indiana,
and Missouri are some of the main areas of soybean production in the United
States of America. Functionally, in the USA, Soybean oil is primarily used as a
main feedstock in making biomass-based diesel (BBD) and sustainable aviation
fuel (SAF). Although it has a huge demand for biofuels, the food industry
remains a massive consumer of US soybean oil used as cooking oil, ingredient in
margarine, shortenings, salad dressings, mayonnaise, and baked goods. In
addition, in small portions, soybean oil is still used in animal feeds, and it
also can be utilized in the manufacturing products, including bio-based
plastics, paints, solvents, adhesives, and lubricants. In terms of business
industry, in the USA, some companies have a dominance in soybean crushing and
oil refining industry in the United States, managing 75% of the nation's total
soybean processing volume and these companies include ADM (Archer Daniels
Midland), Bunge, Cargill, AGP (Ag Processing Inc).
3.Brazil
Brazil
is the 3rd world’s biggest country producer of soybean oil in 2023.
Statistically, the production of Soybean Oil from Samba’s country reached
10,890,989 tons. Geographically, in Brazil, there are some states as the
biggest producer of national soybeans in Brazil. Some of the states in Brazil
with huge production of soybeans are Mato Grosso, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul and
Goiás. Functionally, the usage of soybean oil in Brazil can be divided into
biofuel and cooking oils. Specifically, in the energy sector, Brazilian soybean
oil is processed as biodiesel, and soybean oil contributes roughly 70% to 75%
of all biodiesel feedstock in Brazil. Furthermore, in the food industry,
soybean oil can be used as cooking oil, contributing roughly 4 million metric tons
of soybean oil consumed annually for food purposes. In terms of business
aspects, some of the leading companies which have a soybean processing and oil
refining industry in Brazil include Bunge, ADM (Archer Daniels Midland),
Cargill, Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), and COFCO International.
4.Argentina
Argentina
is the 4th world’s biggest country producer of soybean oil in 2023.
Statistically, the production of Soybean Oil from tango’s country reached
5,275,641 tons. Geographically, in Argentina, there are some provinces with
huge production of soybean in Argentina. Some of the provinces are Santa Fe,
Cordoba, Buenos Aires and Entre Rios. Functionally, some of the soybean oil in
Argentina is exported to other nations with a destination market in India,
Bangladesh, and various nations across North Africa and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, for domestic needs, the soybean oil in Argentina is processed as
biodiesel. Structurally, in terms of business aspects, some of the companies
leading the Argentine soybean oil market are Bunge, Aceitera General Deheza
(AGD), COFCO International, Molinos Agro, Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), Cargill.
5.India
India is the 5th world’s biggest
country producer of soybean oil in 2023. Statistically, the production of
Soybean from Mahatma Gandhi’s country reached 2,093,000 tons. In India, there
are some states with huge production of soybeans. Some of the states with huge
production of soybean in India are Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan,
Karnataka, and Telangana. Commonly, India is one of
the world's largest consumers and importers of edible oils, and soybean oil,
projecting to consume roughly 6.4 million metric tons of soybean oil in the
2025/2026 and importing around 4.7 to 5.5 million tons of soybean oil
especially from Argentina and Brazil. Functionally, Soybean oil is used as
cooking oil.
6.Russian Federation
Russia is the 6th world’s
biggest country producer of soybean oil in 2023. According to the FAO
Statistical Database in 2026, the production of soybean oil from this country
reached 1,015,900 tons. Geographically, the main region of Russia in Soybean
cultivation is in Amur region. The other region with soybean production is in
the Primorsky Territory, Belgorod, and Kursk regions. Functionally,
the harvested soybeans are primarily processed as soybean meals to fulfill
animal feed needs. Meanwhile, Russia's soybean oil production is almost entirely directed to the
export market.
7.Mexico
Mexico is the 7th world’s
biggest country producer of soybean oil in 2023. According to the FAO
Statistical Database in 2026, the production of soybean oil from this country
reached 993,791 tons. Geographically, there are some states in Mexico that have
huge production of soybeans, these some states are Campeche, Tamaulipas, San
Luis Potosí, Veracruz, Chiapas, and Yucatán. Functionally,
compared to palm oil and rapeseed oil, soybean oil is the most consumed
vegetable oil in Mexico, contributing roughly 38% of total vegetable oil
Mexico's consumption. Beside huge consumption of its soybean oil, Mexico still imports whole beans to feed its domestic crushers from other
nations.
Soybean oil is a primary
ingredient in Mexico's food package industry, utilizing the production of
baked goods, canned foods, snacks, and even in the dairy sector. Outside of the
food industry, a smaller portion of the refined oil is utilized in the Mexican
cosmetics and personal care industries.
8.Paraguay
Paraguay is the 8th biggest
country producer of soybean oil in 2023. According to the FAO Statistical
Database in 2026, the production of Soybean Oil from Paraguay 634,400 tons. In
Paraguay, there are some regions or departments that became the major area of
soybean cultivation. These regions or Departments are Alto Parana, Itapúa,
Canindeyú, Caaguazú, and San Pedro. Functionally,
most of the entire soybean oil production in
Paraguay is directed for export because of the surplus conditions of soybean in
Paraguay. Meanwhile, some domestic production of soybean oil is processed as
cooking oil and biofuel production.
9. Germany
Statistically, according to FAO Statistical
Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of soybean oil from Germany
reached 606,500 tons in 2023. Functionally, soybean
oil in Germany is almost entirely used for commercial food processing,
livestock feed demands, and the biofuel
sector. In terms of the soybean oil industry
in Germany, some of the leading soybean oil companies in Germany include
Cargill, ADM (Archer Daniels Midland), Bunge, and Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC).
10. Spain
Statistically, according to FAO Statistical
Corporate Database (FAOSTAT), the production of Soybean Oil from Spain reached
579,400 tons in 2023. Commonly, in Spain, as a
country which relies almost entirely on importing raw soybeans, the massive
volume of soybean oil in Spain is used almost entirely to industrial
agriculture, biofuels, and the export market because the people of Spain
overwhelmingly prefer consumed olive oil or sunflower oil as cooking oil. In business, some companies manage
the soybean oil in Spain including Bunge, LIPSA (Lípidos Santiga), Elian
Barcelona (Viserion International).
The Histogram Rank of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Soybean Oil 2023
The Table Rank of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Soybean Oil 2023
Bibliography of 10 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Soybean Oil
FAOSTAT.
2026. Production of Oil, soybean: top 10 producers 2023. Accessed via https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualize on September 4th, 2025.