19 Aug 2025
Sri Lanka’s demand for US soybean meal continues to grow
The country annually requires between 210,000-240,000 tons of soybean meal in animal feed production in poultry.
The US exported around USD 127.93 million worth of soybean meal to Sri Lanka in 2024 with a total volume of 277,111 tons, according to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).
This makes Sri Lanka a significant importer of US soybean meal, particularly within South Asia.
The demand for soybean meal in Sri Lanka is driven by the country’s growing poultry industry and the need for protein-rich animal feed.
Sri Lanka annually requires between 210,000-240,000 tons of soybean meal in animal feed production in poultry and this figure is growing significantly each year.
Lal Kantha, Minister of Livestock, Land, and Irrigation, said that the country will likely increase its soybean meal imports to meet the growing demand for animal feed, particularly in the poultry sector.
This increase is driven by the rising demand for protein-rich diets in Sri Lanka and the wider South Asian region.
US soybean production for 2024/25 crop
US farmers are expected to produce 4.6 billion bushels of soybean for the 2024/25 crop and supply estimates up 11% over last year, according to USDA.
As the global population rises to an estimated 10 billion people by the 2050s, US-grown soybean can fulfill an essential role in feeding the world.
US soybean serves as a source of complete and essential nutrients for animals providing all nine of the essential amino acids necessary for a healthy diet.
Soybean meal derived from US soybean provides better whole soybean quality, consistency, digestible amino acids, and energy content.
Soy Connext 2025
Soy Connext 2025, a signature annual conference of the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC) formerly known as the Global Trade Exchange, will be held in Washington, DC, at the Hilton Washington, from August 20-22.
USSEC focuses on differentiating, elevating preference, and attaining market access for the use of US soybean for human consumption, aquaculture, and livestock feed in over 80 countries internationally.
The council’s members represent the soybean supply chain including US soybean farmers, processors, commodity shippers, merchandisers, allied agribusinesses, and agricultural organizations.
It is funded by the US soybean checkoff, USDA FAS matching funds, and industry USSEC partners with FAS, in its mission to develop foreign markets and build bridges between US agriculture and importers.
Soy Connext is the annual global gathering for US soybean buyers, sellers, growers, and visionaries. This year, over 700 global leaders are expected to attend the conference to explore market insights, sustainable solutions, and smarter supply chains.
The event is an occasion for face-to-face meetings with US soybean farmers, visit US soybean farms, tour export facilities, and hear from world-renowned global business leaders, analysts, and experts to enhance customer’s competitive advantage.
The US aims to advance economic prosperity of rural America and create a more stable footing for US soybean exports. This effort is critical as USSEC strives to differentiate and build a preference for US soybean in a highly competitive environment.
With consumer demand for protein taking a huge leap forward every year globally, US soybean plays a crucial role as a leading exporter to many parts of the world in addition to their strong domestic markets.
Currently, over 60% of US soybean products are exported.
