Bangladesh has significantly increased its commitment to U.S. soybeans and soybean meal, with the latest letter of intent valuing imports at $1.25 billion over the next 12 months. The move effectively converts nearly all of the country’s commodity purchases to U.S. origin, according to Jim Sutter, CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC).
Sutter highlighted that soybeans remain Bangladesh’s leading agricultural import. In addition to soybeans, the country purchases soybean meal, cotton, and wheat to support its expanding protein sector. Bangladesh’s crushing industry produces soybean meal primarily for aquaculture and poultry feed, fueling a rapidly growing domestic protein market.
“They like the quality of U.S. soybeans and the reliability of our exporters,” Sutter said, noting that sustainability is an increasingly important factor for buyers. “The U.S. has a very strong sustainability track record that we can demonstrate to our partners.”
With Bangladesh’s protein industry expanding steadily over the past decade, Sutter anticipates further opportunities for U.S. soy in the coming years. The strengthened trade relationship underscores the growing global demand for high-quality, sustainable U.S. soy products and positions the U.S. as a key supplier in South Asia.
