Top Soybean Oil Producing Countries

Soybean oil, one of the world’s most widely used vegetable oils, is primarily produced by the United States, Brazil, Argentina, China, and India. The history of soybean oil production traces back to ancient China, where soybeans were first domesticated over 3,000 years ago, but large-scale oil extraction began in the early 20th century with the advent of modern processing technologies. The United States became a global leader in soybean cultivation and oil production during the 20th century, driven by innovations in agriculture and the expansion of soybean farming across the Midwest. Brazil and Argentina followed, leveraging their vast arable land and favorable climates to become major exporters. Today, these countries dominate global soybean oil markets, supplying both domestic needs and international demand for cooking oil, processed foods, and biodiesel production. The rapid increase in soybean oil production reflects advances in crop breeding, mechanization, and global trade, making it a cornerstone of the modern food and agriculture industries.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat