U.S. Soybean Leaders Strengthen Southeast Asia Trade at Jakarta Conference

More than 400 agricultural leaders and stakeholders from over 20 countries met in Jakarta, Indonesia, from September 15 to 17, 2025, for the S.E. Asia U.S. Agricultural Cooperators Conference. Co-organized by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, the event focused on fostering sustainable trade and collaboration in the agricultural sector. With the theme “Enabling Trade Today, Unlocking Tomorrow,” the conference aimed to strengthen global trade relations, enhance supply chain resilience, and address long-term food security challenges in the region.

Throughout the three-day event, participants engaged in business-to-business networking, attended keynote addresses, and participated in panel discussions covering logistics, market access, regulatory trends, and sustainability. Delegates explored ways to boost trade in U.S. soybeans, corn, and co-products to support the evolving food and feed sectors in Southeast Asia.

The region has become increasingly important for U.S. agricultural exports, importing approximately 9.08 million metric tons of whole soybeans and 20.89 million metric tons of soybean meal in the Marketing Year 2023/24. This surge reflects robust demand from both food and feed sectors. According to Timothy Loh, USSEC Regional Director for Southeast Asia and Oceania, “Southeast Asia continues to be a key region of growth for U.S. Soy, driven by rising demand, a growing middle class, and expanding protein consumption.”

Indonesia holds a significant position as Southeast Asia’s largest importer of U.S. soybeans for food use. The country’s strong consumer demand for traditional soy-based foods, such as tempeh and tofu, has fueled soybean imports. Additionally, increasing protein needs present new opportunities for U.S. soybean meal in the feed sector.

Building Collaborative Networks for Future Growth

The conference emphasized the importance of long-term collaboration between U.S. soy producers and their Southeast Asian counterparts. Such partnerships are vital for ensuring supply reliability, enhancing market access, and creating mutual value. Speakers throughout the event highlighted the necessity of transparency, trust, and innovation in navigating today’s complex global trade landscape.

In a leadership dialogue, USSEC CEO Jim Sutter and USSEC Chair Janna Fritz discussed how data, technology, and farmer-led innovation are shaping the agricultural sector’s future. They underscored the distinct advantages of U.S. Soy, including its low carbon footprint and the commitment of multi-generational U.S. farmers to quality and sustainable practices. The leaders noted the importance of engaging closely with customers to better understand their evolving market needs.

Various sessions also highlighted the rising demand for high-quality protein in the region, emphasizing the growing significance of secure and sustainable supply chains. Food safety, traceability, and consistent product quality emerged as top priorities for Southeast Asian buyers and consumers.

Strategic Partnerships for Enhanced Food Security

The conference reaffirmed the critical role of strong partnerships across the agricultural supply chain. By uniting U.S. producers, exporters, buyers, feed millers, processors, and government leaders, the event provided a crucial platform for shaping a sustainable and resilient future for global agriculture.

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) continues to work towards differentiating U.S. soy products in international markets, focusing on their use in human consumption, aquaculture, and livestock feed across 93 countries. Funded by the soy checkoff and the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, USSEC aims to enhance market access and elevate the preference for U.S. soy globally.

As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, events like this conference play a vital role in promoting collaboration and driving sustainable practices that benefit both producers and consumers.