This year, Ukraine is expected to reduce the area planted with soybeans, primarily due to a drop in prices for the crop this season, as well as more attractive prices for corn and sunflower. This forecast was presented by Svetlana Kirichok, Oilseed Market Analyst at APK-Inform, during her speech at the “Soybean and Meal Market” conference in Kyiv on March 27.
“According to our preliminary estimate, soybean acreage in Ukraine may decrease by 10-13% in 2025 compared to the previous year, which is not as significant as previously expected, reaching about 2.3-2.35 million hectares. Soybean production could decline to 5.7-5.8 million tons, but it will still be one of the highest figures for the industry,” the expert stated.
Kirichok also confirmed that the current price of soybeans is “somewhat unsatisfactory” for farmers. While soybean prices were among the highest in the oilseed sector in Ukraine last season, this year, they have fallen.
“At the same time, it is important to note that in the 2024/25 season, demand for soybeans has increased both domestically and internationally, which is a key difference between the soybean market and that of sunflower, which is primarily sold to domestic processors,” the analyst added.
Additionally, she reminded the audience that oilseed processing capacities in Ukraine continue to grow, and soybeans are a good alternative for increasing plant utilization. In her view, this will be one of the factors supporting soybean acreage at relatively high levels in the long term.
“We expect some reduction in acreage in the central and southern regions, where the crop cannot fully realize its potential due to climate conditions. The main production of soybeans will remain concentrated in the central, western, and northern parts of Ukraine,” the speaker concluded.
For more updates from the “Soybean and Meal Market” conference, visit the event’s page.
