Introduction – Current State of Play: The Soybean Sector in Thailand
Thailand’s soybean market in 2025 is riding a wave of major changes — from government policy shifts to weather-related disruptions, and even international trade tensions.
Here’s what’s shaking things up:
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Duty-Free Imports Continue: The Thai government extended unlimited duty-free soybean imports until the end of 2025. This move is designed to stabilize supply for the food and feed sectors, particularly as domestic production still lags behind demand.
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U.S. Tariff Counterplay: In response to a 36% tariff imposed by the U.S., Thailand has made a strategic pivot — increasing its imports of American agricultural goods, including soybeans, to ease trade tensions.
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Flooding Fallout: The 2024 floods severely impacted agricultural regions. Over 8.6 million rai of farmland was damaged, disrupting harvests and transport logistics — soybeans included.
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Demand Reset: While soybean crushing demand is expected to grow only 2% in the 2025/26 marketing year due to economic slowdowns, the livestock sector — particularly poultry and swine — is rebounding, pushing soybean meal demand higher.
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Global Pressures: With biodiesel mandates tightening palm oil supplies, there’s a growing reliance on soybean oil, although price competition and climate risks persist.
In such a fast-moving environment, businesses need to stay informed, agile, and responsive — and platforms like Freshdi are becoming essential. They offer real-time supplier verification, RFQ alerts, and market trend insights tailored to the Thai soybean space.
Recent Developments – What’s Making Headlines in Thailand’s Soybean Market?
Let’s zoom in on the latest updates that are shaping the soybean sector in Thailand:
1. Market Expansion & Size
- In 2024, Thailand’s soybean market hit $2.1 billion, growing 8% year-over-year.
- Despite market growth, domestic soybean yields remain flat (~52 kg/ha), and harvested areas are limited due to long-term contraction trends.
2. Policy Moves
- The duty-free import policy remains in effect through 2025, aimed at bolstering supply chains and supporting animal feed production.
- Thailand is also diversifying its import sources, though Brazil still dominates, accounting for 86% of imports in early 2023.
3. Trade Missions & Supplier Innovation
- Northern Soy Marketing (NSM) led a 2025 trade mission to Thailand, pitching U.S. soybeans’ superior amino acid profiles over traditional crude protein metrics.
- Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF) and Cargill Thailand continue to invest in processing capacity, with CPF signing sustainability-focused deals to align with Thailand’s climate goals.
4. Supply Chain Strains
- Severe flooding in 2024 disrupted major agricultural zones, impacting logistics and harvests.
- Surging freight costs — up 50% in January 2025 due to Red Sea tensions — have pushed up the price of imported soybean meal.
5. Demand Drivers
- Animal feed remains the backbone of demand. Swine and poultry sectors are recovering, with soybean meal demand projected to increase by 3.22% in 2025.
- Soy-based foods and beverages are also gaining popularity, especially with the tourism sector rebounding.
Top 4 Verified Soybean Suppliers in Thailand – Week 22 of 2025
These suppliers were selected based on export capability, certifications, Freshdi platform activity, and responsiveness to current market needs.
1. Mangmee Enterprise Company Limited
- Known for its consistent export volumes and strong reliability.
- Offers both GMO and non-GMO soybeans.
- Verified on Freshdi with high buyer ratings and repeat orders.
2. F D & A Inter Co. Ltd.
- Specializes in bulk soybean meal for animal feed.
- Strong compliance with Thai and international food safety standards.
- Actively engaging in sustainability discussions on Freshdi.
3. TREVEX INTER COMPANY LIMITED
- Offers value-added soybean products like roasted soy and soy flour.
- Recognized for fast shipping and custom order handling.
- Featured in Freshdi’s “Supplier of the Month” segment in April 2025.
4. J.C.P IMPORT AND EXPORT CO., LTD
- Well-integrated logistics network across Southeast Asia.
- Focuses on U.S.-origin soybeans with traceability documentation.
- High RFQ conversion rate noted on Freshdi in the last 60 days.
Dynamic Ranking Note: These rankings reflect supplier activity, feedback, and RFQs tracked on Freshdi as of Week 22, 2025. Rankings may shift based on recent transactions, certifications, and fulfillment performance.
Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to Thailand’s Soybean Landscape
In a market as fluid as Thailand’s, staying ahead means understanding where the opportunities lie—and how to tackle emerging risks.
Key Opportunities
1. Feed Industry Growth
With swine production recovering and broiler production inching up, soybean meal demand is on the rise. Feed mills are seeking high-protein, traceable soybeans, especially to meet export regulations.
2. Aquaculture Expansion
Thailand’s aquaculture sector offers a new growth area. U.S. Soy, with its amino acid advantages, is well-positioned to meet rising protein demands for fish feed.
3. Health-Driven Food Trends
Soy-based foods (tofu, soy milk, meat alternatives) are gaining ground as Thai consumers lean into health and sustainability. This opens doors for non-GMO, organic soybeans.
Current Challenges
1. Freight & Price Pressure
Freight costs have surged due to global crises, pushing up landed soybean meal prices by nearly 50% in early 2025. Companies must factor in logistics volatility when planning imports.
2. Supply Chain Volatility
With flooding impacting domestic crops and tightening port operations, importers are advised to diversify routes and source from multiple origins.
3. Competitive Imports
South American soybeans are cheaper, putting U.S. and premium suppliers under pricing pressure. However, quality and sustainability credentials still matter to discerning buyers.
Evolving Sourcing Tactics
- Local Partnerships: Team up with Thai feed mills like CPF to co-develop premium soybean meal blends.
- Sustainability First: Highlight certifications like RTRS (Round Table on Responsible Soy) or ProTerra to appeal to eco-conscious buyers.
- Smart Blending: Combine U.S. high-quality beans with lower-cost imports to hit both price and performance benchmarks.
Short-Term Outlook (Q2–Q4 2025)
- Soybean Meal: Steady but slower growth (~2%) expected. Prices remain high due to freight and tight crushing capacity.
- Soybean Oil: Growth may stagnate amid palm oil competition and health trend shifts.
- Domestic Yields: Limited improvement expected due to erratic weather; import dependence continues.
- Trade Levers: Duty-free imports and easing of import regulations provide short-term relief.
Conclusion – Key Takeaways for Businesses in a Fast-Moving Market
Thailand’s soybean market in 2025 is anything but static. With policy reshaping trade, climate events hitting production, and global freight costs squeezing margins, businesses must act fast — and smart.
Here’s your essential checklist:
✅ Soybean Sourcing Checklist – 2025
- 🔍 Monitor RFQ trends and price shifts on platforms like Freshdi.
- 📦 Diversify suppliers – blend quality and affordability.
- 📈 Track weather and global shipping updates weekly.
- 🌱 Prioritize sustainability certifications to future-proof supply.
- 🤝 Build strong relationships with local processors and feed mills.
Platforms like Freshdi are vital allies in this environment. From real-time RFQ tracking and supplier verification to dynamic rankings and sustainability filters, Freshdi empowers buyers to navigate the Thai soybean market with precision.
FAQs
1. Why is Thailand importing so many soybeans in 2025?
Because domestic production can’t meet demand, especially for animal feed. Duty-free policies and livestock industry recovery are driving higher imports.
2. Are U.S. soybeans competitive in Thailand?
Yes, especially in terms of quality and sustainability. However, they face pricing pressure from cheaper South American beans.
3. How are floods in 2024 affecting the soybean market now?
Flooding damaged key croplands and disrupted logistics, leading to increased import reliance and higher prices.
4. What soybean products are in demand in Thailand?
Soybean meal for animal feed leads the pack. Soybean oil and soy-based foods are also growing, especially with health-conscious consumers.
5. How can buyers stay ahead in this volatile market?
Use platforms like Freshdi to access real-time data, connect with trusted suppliers, receive alerts on RFQ changes, and adapt strategies fast.
References
- USDA Thailand Oilseeds Report
- AgFlow News on Duty-Free Imports
- USSEC 2025 Soy Food Report
- Feed Strategy – CPF Sustainability
- NSM Trade Mission to Thailand
- IndexBox Thailand Soybean Market Report
- Freshdi – Verified Supplier Listings
- Thailand Soybean Meal Outlook – 6WResearch
- Momex 2025 Soy Market Forecast
- Essfeed Top Importers 2025