by PressUruguay’s soybean harvest will be lower than in the previous period
Uruguay’s soybean harvest will be lower due to a reduction in acreage
FAS forecasts that Uruguay’s soybean harvest will be 3.1 million tonnes in the 2025–26 season. This figure is lower than in the previous period, when a record harvest was achieved. In the 2024-2025 marketing year, farmers harvested 3.3 million tonnes.
Analysts say the key reason for the decline in volumes is the reduction in soybean acreage. Uruguayan producers will use some of the land for corn, which should increase the harvest. Meanwhile, the country’s government has no plans to reduce soybean exports. Uruguay is a major supplier to Argentina and China.
Last season, local farmers reduced corn cultivation and increased soybean production. This was due to pest problems — grasshoppers attacked corn plots en masse. Consequently, the quality and quantity of the crop decreased dramatically. However, the insect situation improved significantly due to the harsh winter. Favourable weather conditions have led to a reduction in pest numbers and a positive outlook for the current season.
Bean export review
As far as soybean processing is concerned, it remains at a rather weak level:
— bean crushing in the local market accounts for about 10% of total production;
— processing is projected to rise to 170 thousand tonnes;
— local production will provide 135 thousand tonnes of soybean meal and 30 thousand tonnes of soybean oil.
China and Argentina are considered to be key markets for Uruguay’s soybean exports. Almost 80% of the total exports of the crop went to China. Argentina is also increasing its purchases. Over the past year, it increased imports of Uruguayan beans by 800%. 
The reason for the growth was the decline in sales of products on the domestic market. Local producers were not in a hurry to sell their produce in anticipation of legislative changes and more favourable prices. Then, to ensure soya processing capacity, Argentina increased supplies from Uruguay. Analysts believe that exports to the country will stabilise in the current season. Additionally, Argentina is actively purchasing soya oil and flour for use in the food and feed industries.
Soybean exports in the 2025–26 season will be less than 3 million tonnes. This figure is 100 thousand tonnes lower than in the previous period. Analysts also expect an increase in the purchase of local beans from Egypt, the European Union, and Malaysia.
Prospects for agriculture
Uruguay has high agricultural potential, but this requires significant investment. The country has fertile land favourable for growing a wide range of crops, including grapes. Around 95% of the land is in rural areas. The south-western part of Uruguay is the most productive area for crop production. Less fertile land is used for livestock production.
The country is one of the world’s top ten exporters of soybeans, rice and beef. Uruguay also ranks second in the world for supplying fibre for making pulp.