Domestic soybean consumption in Ukraine continues to increase, primarily driven by the expansion of processing capacities and the production of soybean oil and meal, ProAgro Group reports.

According to preliminary estimates, in the 2025/26 marketing year, domestic soybean use is expected to reach around 2.9 million tonnes, which is more than 50% above the five-year average.

At the same time, total soybean production is set to decline. Sown areas are estimated at 2.1 million hectares, down 30% year-on-year, although still above the long-term average. With an average yield of 2.4 t/ha, the harvest is projected at about 5 million tonnes, nearly one-third lower than last season.

Despite the smaller crop, soybean oil production remains relatively stable. Output in the 2025/26 MY is forecast at around 527 thousand tonnes, only slightly below last year. This is largely due to reduced exports of raw soybeans and increased incentives for domestic processing.

Most of the produced soybean oil is export-oriented. Domestic consumption remains limited at 25–30 thousand tonnes annually, while up to 95% is shipped abroad. In the current season, exports are expected to reach around 501 thousand tonnes, with the European Union remaining the key destination.

Experts note that these trends highlight a structural shift in Ukraine’s soybean sector—from exporting raw materials to producing higher value-added products. This transition strengthens the country’s position in global markets and improves the resilience of the agricultural sector.

As previously reported, the trend toward expanding soybean acreage is expected to continue in the medium term, with a minimum of 2 million hectares projected for 2026.

Source: UCAB