KATHMANDU, AUGUST 12
A six-member Nepali delegation participated in Soy Connext 2026, the flagship global conference of the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC), in Chicago, seeking to strengthen trade ties between Nepali buyers and US soybean suppliers.
The conference brought together more than 800 participants, including around 400 international buyers from 67 countries, with discussions focused on market diversification, sustainability, supply-chain resilience and global demand for US Soy.
Nepal is a major market for US soybeans in South Asia, with around 92 percent of the country's total soybean imports originating from the United States in fiscal year 2025/26, according to the conference organisers.
The Nepali delegation held discussions with US soybean farmers, exporters and industry representatives. It also participated in the Trade Team Invitational, where international buyers held one-on-one meetings with suppliers and exporters on sourcing, logistics, market requirements and future business opportunities.
The conference highlighted growing demand for US Soy outside traditional markets. Shipments to markets outside China increased by 9 percent year-on-year in marketing year 2025/26 despite the impact of US-China trade tensions.
US Soy exports, including whole soybeans, soybean meal and soybean oil, are projected to grow by around 5 percent in 2026/27, while the US soybean crop is forecast to reach a record 4.5 billion bushels.
The delegation also gained first-hand insight into US soybean production, sustainability practices, quality management and supply-chain operations.
The organisers said stronger links between Nepali buyers and US suppliers could help expand bilateral agricultural trade while meeting growing demand from Nepal's poultry, livestock, aquaculture and food-processing industries.