Slightly less soy imported, but record import value

The Netherlands imported €1,86 billion worth of soybeans last year, a record import value. In kilos, slightly less was imported: 4,16 billion kilos compared to 4,53 billion kilos in 2020. The largest soy supplier, Brazil, purchased 2% more soy. This is evident from new figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics.

A record amount of soy was imported from Brazil: 2,39 billion kilos. The import value from that country also increased enormously, reaching a record € 1,08 billion. That was €760 million a year earlier. In addition to the larger import quantity, the high import value is mainly due to the high price. Soybean prices have increased by 39% due to factors such as dry weather in Brazil and an increase in Chinese demand.

In addition to Brazilian soy, last year 1,27 billion kilos of soy came from the United States and 0,5 billion kilos from other destinations. Brazil is the largest supplier to the Netherlands. 58% of soy imported came from there last year. In 2020 that was 52%. In 2018, the United States was still the largest supplier, with a share of 71%. Last year, America accounted for 30% of soybean imports, up from 35% in 2020.

Netherlands largest importer
In the European Union, the Netherlands is the largest importer of soybeans. Almost 25% of all soybeans imported by the Netherlands are destined for re-export. More than 75% is processed in the Netherlands, mainly by the animal feed industry and to a lesser extent by the food industry and for non-food applications.

Linda van Eekeres

Linda van Eekeres is co-writing editor-in-chief. She mainly focuses on macro-economic developments and the influence of politics on the agricultural sector.

l.vaneekeres@boerenbusiness. Nl

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