WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — Phytosanitary issues and currency devaluation reduced Pakistan’s soybean imports, according to a Dec. 23 Global Agricultural Information Network report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The country’s soybean imports during market year 2018-19 reached 2 million tonnes falling 8% compared to the previous year.

“The reduction in soybean imports is mainly due to sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) issues, a lack of legal protections for imported genetically engineered (GE) soybeans and the devaluation of Pakistan rupee, which fell by 40%,” the report said.

A new demand of high-protein feed is being seen in Pakistan’s growing poultry and dairy sectors, thereby, increasing the inclusion of soybean meal in animal feed rations. The USDA expects market year 2019-20 soybean imports to be 2.2 million tonnes.