List of Top 10 Largest Soybean-Producing Countries in the World

The Top 10 Largest Soybean-Producing Countries in the world are Brazil, the USA, Argentina, China, India, Canada, Russia, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Ukraine. These 10 countries accounted for over 80% of the world’s soybean production in 2024. Brazil and the United States are the two largest soybean-producing countries in the world, together accounting for over 65% of global production. In 2024, the world produced 368.6 million metric tons of soybeans.

In this article, we will look into the list of the top 10 largest soybean-producing countries in the world along with their contribution to the global output.

About the Top 10 Largest Soybean-Producing Countries in the World

The top 10 soybean-producing countries in the world play a major role in meeting the global demand for the important crop, soybean. In 2022–2023, Brazil produced 120.7 million metric tons of soybeans, an all-time high. In 2019, Brazil surpassed the United States as the world’s leading soybean producer. In 2021–2022, Brazil and the United States jointly supplied nearly 90% of the world’s soybean exports. In the United States, the states that produce the most soybeans include Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Nebraska, Missouri, and North Dakota.

In India, the major soybean-growing states are Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Telangana. In 2022–2023, the Government of India’s soybean crop is estimated at 128.92 lakh tonnes.

List of Top 10 Largest Soybean-Producing Countries in the World

The below table lists the top 10 soybean-producing countries in the world:

Country	Soybean Production (MT)
Brazil	120.7 M
USA	116.4 M
Argentina	43.9 M
China	20.3 M
India	13 M
Canada	6.5 M
Russia	6 M
Paraguay	4.5 M
Bolivia	3.5 M
Ukraine	3.4 M

Largest Soybean-Producing Country in the World – Brazil

Soybean is Brazil’s most-produced crop, with approximately 120.7 million metric tons expected during the 2022 harvest. Soybeans are Brazil’s most valued crop, possibly due to their adaptability; they may be utilized in a variety of sectors. As a result, it is essential for Brazilian rural employment. Around 243,000 producers employ 1.4 million people in the country, both directly and indirectly. Soybeans are grown primarily in Brazil’s southwest region. The cultivation cycle lasts approximately 115 to 130 days.

Aspect		Details
Country		Brazil
Rank in Soybean Production		1st
Soybean Production in 2022		120.7 million metric tonnes
Percentage of Global Production		Around 35-40%
Leading Soybean Producing Regions		Mato Grosso, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul
Main Export Destinations		China, European Union, United States, Argentina
Major Challenges	Deforestation, environmental concerns, transportation infrastructure, market volatility

Second Largest Soybean-Producing Country in the World – USA

In the United States, soybeans are one of the most important crops, second only to corn. Soybeans are typically planted in May and early June, and harvested in late September and October. Farmers frequently grow soybeans in crop rotation with corn, and the upper Midwest accounts for more than 80% of soybean production. Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota are the top soybean-producing states in the United States.

Aspect	Details
Country	United States
Rank in Soybean Production	2nd
Soybean Production in 2022	116.4 million metric tonnes
Percentage of Global Production	Around 25-30%
Leading Soybean Producing States	Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana
Main Export Destinations	China, Mexico, European Union, Japan
Major Challenges	Trade tensions, weather variability, fluctuating market prices, pests and diseases

Third Largest Soybean-Producing Country in the World – Argentina

Argentina is the third largest producer of soybeans in the world, after Brazil and the United States. In 2021, Argentina produced 50 million metric tons of soybeans, which accounted for 16% of global production. The majority of soybeans produced in Argentina are exported, with the United States and China being the two largest export markets. Argentina’s soybean industry is centered in the Pampas region, which is a vast area of fertile grasslands that is well-suited for soybean production.

Aspect	Details
Country	Argentina
Rank in Soybean Production	3rd
Soybean Production in 2022	43.9 million metric tonnes
Percentage of Global Production	Around 10-15%
Leading Soybean Producing Regions	Buenos Aires, Santa Fe, Córdoba
Main Export Destinations	China, European Union, Vietnam, Egypt
Major Challenges	Economic instability, currency fluctuations, export taxes, infrastructure limitations

Fourth Largest Soybean-Producing Country in the World – China

China’s soybean production for the 2022/23 marketing year is estimated at 20.3 million metric tons. This is a 10% increase from the previous month, a 24% increase from the previous year, and a 19% increase from the five-year average of 17.1 mmt. China’s total demand for soybeans in 2022 was just over 115 million tonnes, with over 80% of that being met through imports. The government has targeted an output of over 36 million tonnes by 2032 to reduce this reliance.

Aspect	Details
Country	China
Rank in Soybean Production	4th
Soybean Production in 2022	20.3 million metric tonnes
Percentage of Global Production	Around 5-8%
Leading Soybean Producing Regions	Heilongjiang, Jilin, Inner Mongolia
Main Import Sources	United States, Brazil, Argentina, Canada
Major Challenges	Limited arable land, reliance on imports, food security concerns, environmental issues

Fifth Largest Soybean-Producing Country in the World – India

India’s soybean production is estimated to be 13 million metric tons in 2023–2024, which is slightly lower than the 13.1 million metric tons estimated in 2022–2023. Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra contribute 88% of the country’s total soybean production. Madhya Pradesh has an average productivity of 1125 kg/ha, while Maharashtra has an average productivity of 946 kg/ha. Andhra Pradesh has an average productivity of 1280 kg/ha, which is 20% more than the country’s average.

Aspect	Details
Country	India
Rank in Soybean Production	5th
Soybean Production in 2022	13.1 million metric tonnes
Percentage of Global Production	Around 3-5%
Leading Soybean Producing States	Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan
Main Consumption Areas	Livestock feed, cooking oil industry
Major Challenges	Yield fluctuations, pest and disease management, water scarcity, land availability

Sixth Largest Soybean-Producing Country in the World – Canada

In 2022, Canada’s soybean production increased by 4.3% to 6.5 million tonnes, despite a 0.7% decrease in harvested area and a 5.0% increase in yields. In 2020, Canada’s soybean production was 6,358,500 million tonnes, with 61.5% produced in Ontario, 18.3% in Manitoba, and 18.2% in Quebec. In 2023, farmers expect to plant 5.5 million acres of soybeans, which is a 4.5% increase from 2022. Farmers in Ontario are expected to plant 2.9 million acres, which is a 5.4% decrease from 2022.

Aspect	Details
Country	Canada
Rank in Soybean Production	6th
Soybean Production in 2022	6.5 million metric tonnes
Percentage of Global Production	Around 2-3%
Leading Soybean Producing Provinces	Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Quebec
Main Export Destinations	China, United States, European Union
Major Challenges	Climate variability, transportation logistics, market access, pest management

Seventh Largest Soybean-Producing Country in the World – Russia

In 2022, Russia’s soybean harvest was 6 million tonnes, which is 22.6% more than in 2021. The yield also increased from 1.65 tonnes per hectare in 2021 to 1.89 tonnes per hectare in 2022. The main regions for soybean cultivation in Russia are Amur Region, Primorsky Krai, Kursk and Belgorod Regions, and Krasnodarsky Krai. These regions account for 62% of all sown areas. The Amur region, which is part of the Far Eastern Federal District, provides almost 30% of Russia’s total production.

Aspect	Details
Country	Russia
Rank in Soybean Production	7th
Soybean Production in 2022	6 million metric tonnes
Percentage of Global Production	Around 1-2%
Leading Soybean Producing Regions	Krasnodar Krai, Rostov Oblast, Volgograd Oblast
Main Consumption Areas	Livestock feed, cooking oil industry
Major Challenges	Climate limitations, infrastructure development, market access, technological constraints

Eighth Largest Soybean-Producing Country in the World – Paraguay

In 2022, Paraguay’s soybean production was 4.5 million tons, which is 68% less than in 2020/21. The average yield is 900 kg/ha, which is the lowest in Paraguay’s history. Paraguay’s soybean production will increase by 17.68% between 2023 and 2032, reaching 11.96 billion tonnes in 2032. Paraguay is the world’s eighth largest producer of soybeans and soybean oil, and the fourth largest exporter of the grain. Soy cultivation contributes to 18% of Paraguay’s GDP.

Aspect	Details
Country	Paraguay
Rank in Soybean Production	8th
Soybean Production in 2022	4.5 million metric tonnes
Percentage of Global Production	Around 2-3%
Leading Soybean Producing Regions	Itapúa, Alto Paraná, Canindeyú
Main Export Destinations	European Union, Russia, Turkey, Iran
Major Challenges	Land use conflicts, environmental concerns, infrastructure limitations, market volatility

Ninth Largest Soybean-Producing Country in the World – Bolivia

Bolivia is the tenth largest producer and exporter of soybeans in the world, accounting for 0.9% of global production. In 2021, Bolivia produced about 3.3 million tonnes of soy, with 2.5 million tonnes exported mainly to Peru and Colombia. Soybean production in Bolivia began to expand in the early 1980s and now contributes 4.6% of GDP and 10% of total exports. Most of the production is exported to the Andean region.

Aspect	Details
Country	Bolivia
Rank in Soybean Production	9th
Soybean Production in 2022	3.5 million metric tonnes
Percentage of Global Production	Around 1-2%
Leading Soybean Producing Regions	Santa Cruz, Beni, Cochabamba
Main Export Destinations	Argentina, Brazil, European Union, China
Major Challenges	Environmental concerns, land use conflicts, infrastructure limitations, market access

Tenth Largest Soybean-Producing Country in the World – Ukraine

Ukraine’s soybean production in 2022 reached a historical high of 3.4 million tonnes, which is a 21% increase from 2021. Ukraine’s soybean exports may reach a new record high of 5.2 million tonnes in 2023/24. Ukraine is the world’s tenth-largest producer and seventh-largest exporter of soybeans. In 2021, sales valued at $600 million were made.

Aspect	Details
Country	Ukraine
Rank in Soybean Production	10th
Soybean Production in 2022	3.4 million metric tons
Percentage of Global Production	Around 1-2%
Leading Soybean Producing Regions	Dnipropetrovsk, Odessa, Kherson
Main Export Destinations	European Union, Turkey, Egypt, China
Major Challenges	Political instability, land use conflicts, infrastructure limitations, market access

Conclusion – Top 10 Largest Soybean-Producing Countries in the World

In conclusion, Brazil is the top producer of soybeans in the world, followed by the United States, Argentina, China, and India. These five countries produce over 85% of the world’s soybeans. The United States and Brazil together produce around 65% of the global soybean supply. Soybeans are an important crop for many reasons. They are a good source of protein and oil, and they can be used to make a variety of products, including tofu, soy milk, and biodiesel. Soybeans are also used in animal feed.

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FAQs on Top 10 Largest Soybean-Producing Countries in the World

Which country produces the most soybeans in the world?

Brazil is the largest soybean-producing country in the world.

What factors contribute to Brazil’s dominance in soybean production?

Brazil benefits from vast agricultural lands, favorable climate, and advanced farming technologies.

What challenges does the United States face in soybean production?

The United States deals with weather variability, trade tensions, and market fluctuations.

Why is Argentina a significant player in the global soybean market?

Argentina has fertile lands, modern agricultural practices, and favorable government policies supporting soybean production.

How does China balance being a top soybean importer and producer?

China imports soybeans to meet high domestic demand while also increasing domestic production through technological advancements.

What factors contribute to India’s position as a significant soybean producer?

India benefits from suitable climate conditions in regions like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, supporting soybean cultivation.

What challenges does Canada face in soybean production?

Canada deals with climate variability, transportation logistics, and market access issues.