Soy Stats™, A Reference Guide To Important Soybean Facts & Figures, is a comprehensive resource for statistical information about the U.S. soybean industry and its relationship to world oilseed production. Publication of the Soy Stats Online Guide here on SoyStats.com will make this information available to millions of people in the United States and around the world. This resource is made possible through the financial support of Syngenta Seeds.

Soybeans were planted on 75.2 million acres (30.4 million hectares) in 2004, producing a record 3.141 billion bushels (85.49 million metric tons) of soybeans. The average price paid to farmers, $5.65 per bushel ($208 per metric ton). The total 2004 crop value exceeded $17.7 billion.

In 2004, soybeans represented 57 percent of world oilseed production, and 40 percent of those soybeans were produced in the United States. The United States exported a record 1.1 billion bushels (29.94 million metric tons) of soybeans, which accounted for 48 percent of the world's soybean trade.

U.S. soybean and product exports were $8.0 billion in 2004. China was the largest customer for U.S. soybeans with purchases totaling $2.3 billion. Japan was the second largest market for U.S. soybeans with purchases of $1.0 billion.  Other significant buyers included the European Union with purchases of $863 million, and Mexico with purchases totaling $785 million.

Canada was the largest customer for U.S. soybean meal at $300 million, Mexico was second with purchases of $192 million, and The Philippines was third with purchases of $73 million. Mexico was the largest customer for U.S. soybean oil with purchases of $63 million, and Canada was second with purchases of $62 million.

Domestically, soybeans provided 80 percent of the edible consumption of fats and oils in the United States. The domestic crush level was 1,650 million bushels (44.9 million metric tons), with U.S. ending stocks of soybeans at 355 million bushels (9.6 million metric tons).