Source: Agriculture and Agrifood Canada

SUMMARY

The world market for protein meal continues to grow steadily as demand, stimulated by higher meat and vegetable oil (vegoil) consumption, supports the expansion in output. Geographically, the demand for protein meal has increased most in Asia, particularly China, while the growth in production is occurring in South America and Asia. Trade in protein meal has increased at a slower pace with Argentina remaining the world’s largest exporter and the European Union (EU-25) the world’s largest importer. The Canadian protein meal market has expanded significantly since 2000 due to increased domestic livestock production and oilseed processing. In 2004-2005, Canada exported 1.3 million tonnes (Mt) of canola meal, valued at CAN$249 million and imported 1.1 Mt of soymeal valued at CAN$292 million. Over the medium-term, prices of protein meal are expected to be pressured because of the rising output of high protein by-products created by the expansion of ethanol and biodiesel production in North America.

Full report in PDF format: http://www.seedquest.com/News/releases/2006/pdf/14965.pdf