Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 7, Bangladesh’s major soybean processors and importers — Meghna Group of Industries, City Group, Delta Agrofood Industries Ltd., Mahbub Group, and KGS Group — have signed letters of intent to expand their purchases of U.S. soybeans over the next 12 months. U.S. soybeans are an essential ingredient in Bangladesh’s poultry and aquaculture feed sectors, and the new agreement aims to establish a sustainable, reliable, and high-quality soybean supply chain for the country.

Under the deal, Bangladesh’s soybean meal processors and importers have agreed to purchase soybeans and meal valued at approximately US$1.25 billion. The agreement also emphasizes sustainable sourcing and reduced environmental impact through the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP). The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and its partners will further cooperate on market development and on initiatives to boost protein consumption in Bangladesh under the USSEC “Right to Protein” campaign.

Commenting on the agreement, MD. Taslim Shariar, Deputy CEO of Meghna Group of Industries, said: “This is an important step for Bangladesh and its processing industry. The more we process, the greater our food security. The agreement supports the rapid growth of the poultry and feed industries. Vegetable oil production will also increase. The United States and Bangladesh are working hand in hand, creating a legacy of economic resilience, industrial growth, and high-quality nutrition for future generations.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), American soybeans are Bangladesh’s largest agricultural import from the United States, valued at about US$350 million in 2024. Bangladesh is the top destination for American soybean exports in South Asia, with imports of U.S. soybean meal rising by 650% year-on-year. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s exports to the United States reached US$8.78 billion in 2024, underscoring the close bilateral trade relationship.

Bangladeshi buyers have long recognized the advantages of U.S. soybeans compared to products from other countries. Amirul Haque, Managing Director of Delta Agrofood, stated: “The quality of American soybeans is significantly higher than that of other producers.” The combination of high digestibility, minimal damage, and strong nutritional value contributes to better livestock performance and higher economic returns for local producers.

For over three decades, USSEC has been active in Bangladesh through technology transfer and training programs. Key initiatives include the Soy Excellence Center, the In-Pond Raceway System (IPRS), and the International Aquaculture Feed Facts Database (IAFFD), all aimed at improving productivity and efficiency across the country’s feed and aquaculture industries.

The agreement reflects Bangladesh’s growing demand for high-quality feed inputs and its commitment to expanding domestic processing capacity, while also strengthening agricultural and trade ties between Bangladesh and the United States in a sustainable and mutually beneficial manner.