Plant Proteins as a Strategic Driver for Iran’s Oil Industry

In 2024, the global soy protein market reached more than $10 billion and is expanding at an annual growth rate of 4.8 percent. Forecasts show that by 2035, the soy protein isolate market will reach more than $40 billion, and the soy protein concentrate market will grow between $5 and $10 billion.

Domestically, despite the production potential, these products are mainly imported. Imports of vegetable proteins to Iran have grown significantly in recent years. Although the volume of imports has not increased significantly, their dollar value has increased significantly, especially in 2024, which indicates the growth of global prices and the increase in demand for vegetable proteins instead of animal sources.

On the other hand, dependence on imports of this group of products has presented the country with serious challenges. Its most important consequences include an annual outflow of tens of millions of dollars in foreign exchange, vulnerability to exchange rate fluctuations, increased ancillary costs such as insurance and transportation, and a decrease in the country’s food and political security.