Clear differences have emerged in the quality of soybeans exported by the world’s two leading suppliers, the United States and Brazil. According to the latest report published by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Brazilian soybeans lead in oil and protein levels, but U.S. soybeans show lower moisture and fewer damaged kernels.
The report, based on data from the 2024–25 export season, draws on information from the U.S. Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) and international surveyors for Brazil.
U.S. advantage: Lower moisture and damage
As of December 2025, analysis of total soybean exports shows Brazilian soybeans averaging 1.35 percent higher moisture than U.S. soybeans. The rate of total damaged kernels in Brazilian shipments is also 4.71 percent higher.
In particular, heat damage and overall damage indices are less favorable for Brazilian soybeans. By contrast, U.S. soybeans average just 1.23 percent total damage—considered strong by international standards.
Brazil’s dominance in oil and protein
On oil and protein, however, Brazil is clearly ahead. The report notes that Brazilian soybeans contain 0.74 percent more protein and nearly 1.93 percent more oil than U.S. soybeans.
Analysts say this makes Brazilian soybeans more attractive for edible oil production and high-protein animal feed industries.
Year-on-year shifts
A comparison between December 2024 and December 2025 shows Brazilian soybeans reduced moisture by 0.54 percent year-over-year, while U.S. soybeans increased moisture by 1.23 percent during the same period.
Changes in oil content are even more striking. In December 2025, Brazilian soybeans reached 21.68 percent oil—an increase from the previous year. U.S. soybeans, meanwhile, saw a decline in oil content.
Fewer split kernels in both countries
On a positive note, both countries reduced split kernels significantly. By December 2025, splits in Brazilian soybeans dropped to 3.86 percent, while U.S. soybeans fell to 7.64 percent.
Market implications
Experts believe these quality differences could directly influence buyer decisions in the global soybean market. Industries prioritizing oil and protein may favor Brazilian soybeans, while U.S. soybeans remain strong for animal feed and long-term storage due to lower damage and more stable quality.
With global demand for food and feed continuing to rise, competition over soybean quality is expected to intensify in the coming months.
Paragon Group Managing Director Mashiur Rahman told Channel i: “At this stage, U.S. soybeans seem comparatively better for us. Especially for animal feed, the internationally recognized quality standards are met by U.S. soybeans. The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is supporting us in many ways. Overall, we believe U.S. soybeans remain profitable for us.”
In sum, the comparison between U.S. and Brazilian soybeans underscores the real competitive dynamics shaping the global agricultural commodities market.
