South Africa's 2025/26 soybean harvest has been revised up to a record three million tonnes, supporting the country's position as a net exporter of soybeans.
The Crop Estimates Committee (CEC) has increased its estimate of the harvest to 3.0 million tonnes, up 9% from the previous season. The committee attributed the larger crop to higher yields in some production regions and an increase in the area planted.
Investment in domestic soybean processing capacity has transformed South Africa's soybean industry over the past two decades, enabling the country to become a net exporter of soybeans, according to Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo.
Processing capacity had increased from about 860 000 tonnes in 2012 to more than two million tonnes, creating demand for locally produced soybeans and encouraging farmers to expand production, Sihlobo said. He added that this had reduced reliance on imported soybean meal while supporting growth in local soybean production.
The continued increase in production has been driven by expanded plantings, improved seed technology, fertiliser use, better farming practices and favourable La Niña rainfall.
South Africa's soybean spot price stood at R6 895 per tonne on June 25, 5% lower than a year earlier, and was likely to remain under pressure because of abundant domestic and global supplies, according to Sihlobo.
The larger crop is expected to support soybean exports, although export volumes will ultimately depend on domestic demand and conditions in international markets.
