April 10, 2025

US ag partners and USSEC lead strategic dialogue on the future of Southeast Asia's food and feed sector

In March 2025, Southeast Asia's food, feed, and ag trade community gathered in Manila, the Philippines, for two pivotal events hosted by the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC): the AG Supply Chain Asia Conference and the Asia Soy Excellence & Food Summit 2025.

Each event drew a unique audience of industry leaders, traders, and technical experts, offering distinct platforms to exchange insights, explore market dynamics, and discuss opportunities shaping the future of food and agriculture in the region. Together, both events offered timely perspectives and forward-looking strategies that continue to inform and inspire progress across Southeast Asia's agricultural value chain.

Southeast Asia remains a fast-growing market for US soy, fueled by increasing demand across both feed and food sectors. In marketing year (MY) 2023/24, the region imported 9.08 million metric tons (MMT) of whole soybeans and 20.89 MMT of soybean meal, underscoring its reliance on US soy for high-quality, sustainable protein solutions.

The Philippines has been the top importer of US soybean meal for eight consecutive years, while Vietnam and Indonesia's imports have surged by 110% and 49%, respectively, over the last five years.

Additionally, the region's food and beverage industry continue to embrace US soy's quality and versatility, reinforcing its role in traditional and modern food applications. In MY 2023/24, Indonesia—the region's largest food-use soybean importer—sourced 2.67 MMT of whole soybeans, with the US supplying approximately 90% of those imports, underscoring its role in staple foods like tofu and tempe.

"The AG Supply Chain Asia Conference and the Asia Soy Excellence & Food Summit underscore US Soy's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and partnership," said Timothy Loh, USSEC's regional director for Southeast Asia and Oceania. "By bringing together key players across the food and feed value chain, we're facilitating informed, forward-looking dialogue that supports stronger market connections, protein security, and promoting growth and collaboration across the region."

With US soy remaining competitively priced in the global marketplace, the conferences provided a timely forum to address emerging challenges, drive innovation, and strengthen supply chains.

AG Supply Chain Asia (March 17–19, 2025)

Co-organised by USSEC, US Grains Council, and US Wheat Associates, AG Supply Chain Asia continues to be a premier platform for advancing agricultural trade in Southeast Asia.

Themed "Transforming Agriculture: Advancing Trade with Sustainable Solutions", the 2025 event focused on:

    - Global market trends shaping trade flows and supply chain strategies;

    - Innovations in logistics and transportation for greater efficiency;

    - Developments in the US crushing industry and biofuels;

    - The role of US Soy in securing a stable, high-quality supply for Southeast Asia.

The event facilitated business-to-business (B2B) engagements, connecting buyers with US exporters to strengthen partnerships and explore new trade opportunities. Expert-led discussions also delved into sustainability-driven sourcing strategies, including the US Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP), and the impact of shifting market dynamics on long-term food security.

Asia Soy Excellence & Food Summit 2025 (March 19–21, 2025)

Soy's versatility extends beyond nutrition—it plays a vital role in shaping a sustainable food system, supporting food security, and meeting evolving consumer preferences. Themed "Nourishing with Soy - A Sustainable and Preferred Food Protein Solution", the Asia Soy Excellence & Food Summit 2025 showcased soy's essential contributions to global health and environmental sustainability, reinforcing its position as a preferred protein source.

The summit gathered US soy producers, soy suppliers, food producers, researchers, health professionals, and culinary experts to explore innovations in soy-based foods, sustainability strategies, and market trends driving the future of soy consumption.

Key discussions included:

    - Soy's role in sustainable nutrition, delivering high-quality protein, essential fats, and key nutrients for human health;

    - Advancing soy-based food innovations, with insights into new product development and expanding consumer markets;

    - Strengthening industry capabilities, through discussions on sustainability standards, responsible sourcing, and opportunities for growth.

With a growing demand for plant-based and environmentally friendly food options, the summit underscored US Soy's leadership in delivering sustainable, nutritious, and high-quality soy products that align with the region's evolving consumer needs.

- USSEC