🇨🇳 China Increases Oilseed Processing Amid Rising Demand for Feed and Vegetable Oils  

🔹 In 2024-2025, China is expected to increase oilseed processing to 137.3 million tons, driven by rising demand for protein meals in feed.

🔹 Soybean processing is projected to reach 99 million tons, with soybean meal continuing to dominate among feed additives.

🔹 The consumption of vegetable oils for food use will also rise to 35.6 million tons, thanks to economic growth and improving living standards in China.

 

China will increase oilseed processing in 2024-2025 amid growing demand for feed and vegetable oils.

 

In 2024-2025, China is projected to increase its oilseed processing volumes due to the recovery in demand for protein meals in feed and the growing use of vegetable oils. According to a report from the United States Department of Agriculture (FAS), total oilseed processing in China is expected to reach 137.3 million tons, exceeding the 135.3 million tons forecasted for 2023-2024.

 

Feed consumption continues to drive this processing, especially in the soybean meal segment, which remains dominant among feed components. In 2024-2025, soybean processing is projected to reach 99 million tons, compared to 97.5 million tons the previous year. Lower soybean meal prices and competitive export conditions also boosted processing.

 

The volume of meal consumption in feed is expected to rise to 102.7 million tons in 2024-2025, compared to 101.3 million tons in 2023-2024. Soybean meal will continue to dominate feed components, accounting for over 74% of total usage. Rapeseed meal will follow with 13.1% in 2024-2025.

 

"Total feed consumption in 2023 was 3% higher than the previous year, and this trend is expected to continue into 2024 with increased livestock production," the FAS report noted.

 

Along with the rise in feed demand, the consumption of vegetable oils in the food industry is also increasing. According to FAS, the total consumption of vegetable oils for food purposes is projected to reach 35.6 million tons in 2024-2025, slightly above the 35.1 million tons the previous year.

 

Economic growth and rising living standards in China are cited as the main drivers of the growing demand for vegetable oils, encouraging consumers to choose higher-quality food products.

 

This growth in both oilseed processing and the consumption of feed and vegetable oils underscores China's key role in the global agricultural sector and highlights the importance of sustainable development in the country's agribusiness complex.