August 2000

World soybean production is forecast to renew its upward trend in 2000/01 after declining in 1999/00. Output is forecast to reach 169.1 million tons, 8 percent higher than 1999/00, and 61 percent higher than a decade ago. The world's largest producer, the United States, is set to produce a record soybean crop, as farmers have expanded area under production, and weather conditions have been favorable throughout the Midwest. Output in Brazil is forecast to increase, as farmers expand area in the North and Center West. Argentina is forecast to produce record output on expanding area. Area harvested in Argentina has increased in each of the last 10 years. China is projected to increase production on much larger area, despite drought conditions in some provinces. Output in India is forecast higher following a reduced crop in 1999/00.

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