KATHMANDU: A six-member Nepali delegation participated in Soy Connext 2026, the flagship global conference of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), in Chicago, as Nepal strengthens its engagement with U.S. soybean farmers, exporters and suppliers.

The conference brought together more than 800 participants, including about 400 international buyers from 67 countries, with discussions focused on market diversification, sustainability, supply-chain resilience and the growing global demand for U.S. Soy.

Nepal has become an important market for U.S. Soy in South Asia. According to the conference information, about 92 percent of Nepal's soybean imports in fiscal year 2025/26 originated from the United States.

Members of the Nepali delegation held discussions and business meetings with U.S. soybean farmers, exporters and other industry representatives. They also participated in the Trade Team Invitational (TTI), which facilitated one-on-one meetings between international buyers and U.S. suppliers on sourcing, logistics, market requirements and potential future business.

U.S. Soy seeks wider global markets

Market diversification emerged as a major theme at the conference, particularly amid continuing changes in global trade.

USSEC Chief Executive Officer Jim Sutter highlighted diversification as a key strategy for the U.S. soybean industry, with international engagement aimed at expanding markets for U.S. soy products.

According to the conference organisers, U.S. Soy shipments to markets outside China increased by 9 percent year-on-year during marketing year 2025/26, despite the impact of U.S.-China trade tensions.

Exports of U.S. whole soybeans, soybean meal and soybean oil are projected to increase by around 5 percent in marketing year 2026/27, according to the information presented at the conference.

The U.S. soybean crop is also forecast to reach a record 4.5 billion bushels, while increased domestic soybean-crushing capacity is expected to expand the availability of U.S. soybean meal for international markets.

For Nepal, increased availability of soybean meal could be significant as demand for protein ingredients grows alongside the country's poultry, livestock and aquaculture industries.

Nepal-U.S. trade engagement

Participation in Soy Connext gave Nepali buyers an opportunity to engage directly with farmers and exporters and gain insight into U.S. soybean production, quality management, sustainability practices and supply-chain logistics.

The conference also highlighted the importance of factors beyond price in international soybean trade, including consistent quality, reliable supply, nutritional value and sustainable production.

With the United States already supplying the majority of Nepal's soybean imports, direct engagement between Nepali buyers and U.S. suppliers could further strengthen agricultural trade between the two countries.

The conference brought together buyers and suppliers at a time when global agricultural trade is being reshaped by changing market conditions, supply-chain concerns and efforts to diversify export destinations.