U.S. Soybean Export Council

What U.S. Soybean Export Council does

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is a private, non-profit trade association founded in 2004 and headquartered in the St. Louis area (Chesterfield, MO). It promotes U.S. soybean exports by connecting U.S. farmers, member exporters, and allied agribusinesses with international buyers across feed, food, and aquaculture end-markets. USSEC operates a global footprint spanning 80+ countries via embedded regional directors in East Asia, Southeast Asia, MENA/South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe.

USSEC's product surface is a portfolio of digital decision-support tools and sustainability/education programs rather than a commercial offering. Core assets include the U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP)—covering 71% of 2024 U.S. soy export shipments and recognized by FEFAC, GLOBALG.A.P., SAI Platform, Global Seafood Alliance, GMP+, and QS—the Sustainable U.S. Soy Label program (1,100+ branded products), the Specialty U.S. Soy Database (~500 varieties), the International Aquaculture Feed Formulation Database (40+ species), and value/oil calculators for crushers. Education programs include the Soy Excellence Center (17,000+ trainees since 2019) and the China-U.S. Soy Value Chain Innovation Center (launched 2023 with Henan partners; ~700 trainees).

USSEC's revenue model is not transaction-based; it is funded by soybean producer checkoff dollars administered by USB and Qualified State Soybean Boards, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service cost-share matching funds channeled through the American Soybean Association, and contributions from 100+ industry members. Go-to-market is enterprise field-sales driven—regional directors run "boots-on-the-ground" programs, complemented by flagship events (Soy Connext, CISCE, CIIE) and education-based community development. Selected enterprise outcomes include a $1.25B/12-month Bangladesh purchase agreement, a 23% sales lift for Sajo Daerim (South Korea), and FCR improvement from 1.5 to 1.3 at Bangla-UK Agro Products.

Name

U.S. Soybean Export Council

Legal name

U.S. Soybean Export Council

Website

https://ussec.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is a private non-profit trade association that promotes U.S. soybean exports across 80+ countries by connecting U.S. farmers and member exporters with international feed, food, and aquaculture buyers through sustainability certification, buyer tools, and in-market regional representation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Trade Promotion

NAICS

Soybean Farming (111110), Soybean and Other Oilseed Processing (311224)

SIC

Agricultural Production-Crops (100), Agricultural Services (700)

akta.pro primary industry

Soybean Farming (AFAGABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sustainability & Environmental Certifications (Carbon, Water, Regenerative) (AFALAMAC), Import/Export & Border Compliance Support (FSVP, Prior Notice, Health Certificates) (AFALADAE), Supplier Approval, Verification & Food Safety Risk Management (GFSI-aligned) (AFALADAH), Seafood & Aquaculture Certification Services (MSC/ASC/BAP) (AFALAMAL)

Keywords

• Agricultural trade promotion
• Soybean export services
• Sustainability certification programs
• Aquaculture feed formulation
• Market development services

Headquarters

HQ city

Chesterfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Soy Checkoff Funding: Primary funding from soybean producer checkoff dollars invested by USB and Qualified State Soybean Boards
2. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Matching Funds: Cost-share funding provided by USDA FAS for market development and demand creation programs
3. Industry Contributions: Cooperating industry investments and member contributions

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) is a non-profit trade association that promotes U.S. soy exports globally by connecting international buyers with U.S. soybean suppliers, providing digital buyer tools (databases, calculators, conversion tables), sustainability verification (SSAP certificates and Sustainable U.S. Soy Label), aquaculture technology (In-Pond Raceway System), and educational programs (Soy Excellence Center and China-U.S. Soy Value Chain Innovation Center).

Product overview

USSEC offers a suite of buyer tools and educational programs centered on U.S. Soy products. The portfolio includes databases (Specialty U.S. Soy Database with ~500 varieties, International Aquaculture Feed Formulation Database for 40+ species), calculators (Soybean Value Calculator, Soybean Oil Value Calculator), sustainability verification (SSAP certificates, Sustainable U.S. Soy Label), and aquaculture technology (In-Pond Raceway System). Educational offerings include the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) and China-U.S. Soy Value Chain Innovation Center (SIC). Tools are complemented by conversion tables, resource libraries, and supplier connection services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• International Aquaculture Feed Formulation Database (IAFFD): A dynamic, open-access database designed to support the global aquaculture industry with scientifically grounded, nutritionally balanced feed formulations.
• U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP)
• Sustainable U.S. Soy Label
• In-Pond Raceway System (IPRS)
• Soy Excellence Center (SEC)
• China-U.S. Soy Value Chain Innovation Center (SIC)

Products and services

• Specialty U.S. Soy Database Database of nearly 500 U.S. soybean varieties for tofu, soy milk, miso, natto and other soy foods, providing data on quality attributes including amino acids, protein content, and origin for international soy food producers and ingredient buyers.
• International Aquaculture Feed Formulation Database (IAFFD) Open-access database providing feed formulations for 40+ aquaculture species, ingredient digestibility data, amino acid profiles, and carbon footprint calculations to help feed manufacturers create cost-effective and sustainable aquafeeds using U.S. Soy.
• Conversion Table Tool enabling conversion of soybean bushel weights, prices, and yields to support the entire soybean value chain with accurate measurements for global trade.
• Soybean Value Calculator Calculator enabling crushers to compare the economic value of crushing soybeans from different origins by accounting for co-product yields, meal nutrient value, oil refining costs, and plant efficiencies.
• Soybean Oil Value Calculator Tool enabling crushers and refiners to quantify the economic value of processing soybean oil by origin, analyzing refining yield, revenue potential, and refining costs from the U.S., Brazil, and Argentina based on approximately 500 crude degummed soybean oil samples.
• U.S. Soy Sustainability Assurance Protocol (SSAP) National sustainability verification protocol providing independently audited certificates demonstrating sustainable soy production, supporting ESG goals with transferable certificates through the supply chain. Recognized by FEFAC, GLOBALG.A.P., SAI Platform, Global Seafood Alliance, GMP+ International, and QS.
• Sustainable U.S. Soy Label Packaging label program allowing companies to showcase commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship, available at no cost for products meeting sustainable soy content thresholds. Used on 1,100+ products globally.
• In-Pond Raceway System (IPRS) Modern aquaculture technology that enhances productivity, efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture ponds by confining fish to engineered, flow-through raceways within ponds, improving fish health, reducing water usage, and boosting biosecurity.
• Soy Excellence Center (SEC) Educational center offering training programs for protein professionals across the Americas, Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia with six educational tracks and continuing education communities. Has trained over 17,000 agribusiness professionals since 2019.
• China-U.S. Soy Value Chain Innovation Center (SIC) Agribusiness center launched in 2023 with Henan provincial and municipal governments and Henan University of Technology, conducting six training courses annually on livestock, aquaculture, and soy processing technology for Chinese professionals. Approximately 700 trainees have been upskilled since launch.
• Source U.S. Soy Connection platform enabling international buyers to connect with trusted U.S. Soy suppliers by sharing their procurement needs for direct outreach.
• Resource Library Curated library of expert-backed U.S. Soy resources including fact sheets, case studies, market reports, and educational materials designed to inform soy product decisions for buyers and industry professionals.

Quantifiable outcome

• U.S. soybeans achieve ~91% protein digestibility vs Brazilian soybeans at ~85%
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026FSANZ approved a new general level health claim recognizing soy protein's role in heart health in Australia and New Zealand, backed by USSEC and Soy Nutrition Institute Global research.
• Indonesia Ministry of Maritime Affairs and FisheriesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Co-organized Indonesia Aquafeed Conference 2026 to discuss how soybean quality and sustainability are reshaping aquafeed formulation.
• GPMT (Gabungan Pengusaha Makanan Ternak Indonesia)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Co-organized Indonesia Aquafeed Conference 2026 alongside USSEC and government ministry.
• Henan Provincial and Municipal Governments (China)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partnership with Henan provincial and municipal governments to launch China-U.S. Soy Value Chain Innovation Center, advancing soybean science from animal nutrition to soy foods.
• Henan University of Technology (China)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Academic partner in China-U.S. Soy Value Chain Innovation Center, providing research and training capabilities in soybean processing and technology.
• United Soybean Board (USB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSB is governed by 77 farmer-leaders and administers soybean checkoff activities focusing on research, marketing, and education. USSEC works with USB to represent U.S. soy growers globally.
• American Soybean Association (ASA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASA represents U.S. soybean farmers on domestic and international policy issues with 26 affiliated state associations representing 30 soybean-producing states. USSEC partners with ASA for market development while ASA focuses on policy advocacy.
• World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWISHH is a committee of ASA implementing market development programs in emerging markets. USSEC partners with WISHH for program implementation.
• International Soybean Growers Alliance (ISGA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerISGA unites soybean growers worldwide to address common challenges. USSEC, USB, and ASA represent U.S. soybean farmers on ISGA.
• United States Identity Preserved Alliance (USIP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSIP is the business alliance for identity preserved agriculture in the U.S., delivering traceable, high-quality, variety-specific field crops to food markets worldwide.
• U.S. Sustainability Alliance (USSA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSSA is one of the largest member organizations for agriculture, fisheries and forestry in the U.S. USSEC provides organizational management, staffing, and serves on the Management Council.
• Soy Nutrition Institute GlobalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-year research collaboration on soy protein health benefits, supporting heart health claims in multiple countries including Australia and New Zealand.
• IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIFF supported and will lead implementation of the heart health claim initiative across Australia and New Zealand for soy protein products.
• China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGovernment-backed organization organizing China International Supply Chain Expo where USSEC participates to maintain supply chain relationships with China.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• ABIOVE (Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries): Brazilian oilseed industry association that promotes Brazilian soybean and by-products internationally, including through the Soja Plus sustainability program. Functions as USSEC's principal competing counterpart from the source country now gaining share in China and other markets.
• CIARA-CEC (Argentina's Grain Export Chamber): Argentine chamber representing grain and oilseed exporters, including soy meal and soy oil. It is the comparable South American trade-association counterpart that competes with USSEC for share in feed-meal applications across Asia, Europe, and MENA.

Direct peers

• U.S. Wheat Associates: U.S. wheat export market development organization similarly funded by producer checkoff dollars, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service matching funds, and industry contributions. It runs a comparable global technical-marketing program with overseas offices and buyer education services, making it a near-perfect model peer to USSEC's promotion engine.
• United Soybean Board (USB): Farmer-led checkoff board that administers the soybean checkoff program and is USSEC's principal funding source. Operates the domestic research, marketing, and education arm that complements USSEC's international mandate, making it the closest upstream organizational peer.
• USA Poultry & Egg Export Council: U.S. poultry and egg commodity export council using the same USDA-funded market development model to build international demand. Operates parallel regional teams, sustainability positioning, and regulatory advocacy that map closely to USSEC's trade promotion approach.
• U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC): U.S.-based non-profit commodity export council with the same USDA FAS / checkoff / industry funding construct as USSEC, focused on dairy ingredients. Operates a global in-market representative network and trade-show presence that closely mirrors USSEC's export-promotion playbook for soy in food and feed applications.
• American Soybean Association (ASA): Sister U.S. soybean industry organization focused on policy advocacy for U.S. soybean farmers across 30 states. USSEC and ASA have a tightly defined division of labor (ASA on policy, USSEC on international market development), so ASA is the natural counterpart inside the same commodity vertical.
• U.S. Grains Council: U.S.-based non-profit commodity export council that develops global demand for U.S. coarse grains through market development programs funded by USDA FAS and checkoff programs. It is the most direct structural analog to USSEC for soy, operating the same checkoff/USDA-co-funded international promotion model across overlapping buyer segments (animal feed, food processing).
• World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH): A committee of the American Soybean Association that runs soy market development in emerging economies across human nutrition and aquaculture. Operates in adjacent geographies and segments to USSEC, sharing the soy-checkoff funding architecture and is co-implementing select programs with USSEC.

Broad incumbents

• U.S. Meat Export Federation: Larger, longer-established U.S. agricultural commodity export council that promotes beef, pork, and lamb globally. Operates USSEC's same USDA FAS-funded export-promotion chassis, but in animal-protein commodities rather than plant-based ingredients—useful as a reference for organizational design and funding mechanics.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ussec

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about U.S. Soybean Export Council