Top Soybean Producing Countries

Soybean (Glycine max) is a globally significant crop, with the United States, Brazil, and Argentina leading as the top producers, together accounting for over 80% of the world’s soybean output. Originating in East Asia, soybean cultivation dates back at least 3,000 years in China, where it was domesticated and became a dietary staple. The crop spread to Japan and other parts of Asia before being introduced to Europe in the 18th century and to North America in the 19th century. In the 20th century, technological advances in plant breeding, mechanization, and the development of high-yielding varieties propelled the expansion of soybean farming, especially in the Americas. Today, soybeans are vital for their protein-rich seeds, used in food products, animal feed, and industrial applications, making them a cornerstone of global agriculture.

Data from United Nations FAO Stat