Bangladesh commits US$1.25B to U.S. soy in landmark deal

BANGLADESH – Bangladesh’s leading soy processors and importers have pledged to purchase U.S. soybeans and soybean meal worth US$1.25 billion (approximately BDT 148 billion) in a landmark deal that underscores the South Asian nation’s growing demand for high-quality feed ingredients and commitment to sustainable sourcing.

The letters of intent were signed on November 4, 2025, by major players in Bangladesh’s soy value chain, Meghna Group of Industries, City Group, Delta Agrofood Industries Ltd., Mahbub Group, and KGS Group, in collaboration with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). 

The agreement marks one of the largest single commitments to U.S. soy by any South Asian country to date.

Strengthening supply chains and food security

The new commitment aims to bolster Bangladesh’s feed and food industries by ensuring a reliable, high-quality soy supply for poultry, aquaculture, and edible oil production. 

Soybean meal is a key component in animal feed, making the deal a significant boost for the nation’s food security and livestock productivity.

“This is a milestone for Bangladesh and its crushing industries,” said MD. Taslim Shariar, Deputy General Manager of Meghna Group of Industries. 

“The more we crush, the more we will achieve food security. It also supports the rapid growth of the poultry and feed sectors, while enhancing our edible oil industry.”

Beyond supply commitments, the agreement emphasises sustainable sourcing through the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP). 

It also includes cooperation on market development and consumer awareness through USSEC’s Right to Protein campaign, which advocates for increased protein consumption in developing economies.

A growing trade partnership

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. soybeans were Bangladesh’s top agricultural import in 2024, valued at US$350 million (about BDT 41.5 billion). 

Bangladesh has become the strongest market for U.S. soy in South Asia, with imports of U.S. soybean meal rising 650% year-on-year.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s exports to the United States were valued at US$8.78 billion (around BDT 1.04 trillion) in 2024, reflecting a deepening bilateral trade relationship between the two nations.

“Bangladesh’s soy value chain has signed a historic agreement which opens new opportunities for partnership between Bangladesh’s industries and U.S. Soy,” said Jim Sutter, CEO of USSEC. 

“Our U.S. soybeans are playing an integral role in the world’s food systems, providing nutrition and food security across borders.”

Quality and sustainability at the core

Bangladeshi importers have consistently favoured U.S. soy for its superior quality and performance. 

Amirul Haque, Managing Director of Delta Agrofood Industries Ltd., said, “The quality of U.S. soybeans is also far better than that of other countries.”

In addition to its verified sustainability credentials, U.S. soy is prized for its higher digestibility, lower damage rates, and richer nutritional profile, traits that translate into improved animal performance and economic efficiency for feed producers.

For more than three decades, USSEC has supported Bangladesh’s soy industry through technology transfer and capacity-building programs such as the Soy Excellence Center, the In-pond Raceway System (IPRS), and the International Aquaculture Feed Formulation Database (IAFFD). 

These initiatives have advanced feed quality and aquaculture productivity across the region.

As Bangladesh scales up its feed and food industries, this billion-dollar partnership is expected to deepen trade ties with the United States while reinforcing the nation’s path toward food security and sustainable growth.

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