Market
Soybean meal (CN/HS 2304) in Latvia is primarily an imported feed material used in animal feed formulations. UN Comtrade data via World Bank WITS indicates Latvia imported about USD 63.65 million (114.07 million kg) of soybean meal in 2023, with Lithuania the largest supplier, followed by Denmark, Argentina and the Netherlands. As an EU Member State, Latvia applies EU feed hygiene and marketing rules and conducts border controls through the Food and Veterinary Service (PVD), including TRACES NT entry documentation for feed of non-animal origin. Soybean meal also falls under the scope of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) for “Soya” products (Annex I includes CN 2304), making traceability and due diligence a critical market-access factor.
Market RoleNet importer; import-dependent animal feed ingredient market
Domestic RoleImported protein feed material for the domestic livestock and compound feed sector
SeasonalitySupply is available year-round, driven by import logistics and global crushing/export flows rather than domestic seasonality.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighEU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) applies to “Soya” products including CN 2304 (soybean meal). If due diligence, traceability data, or risk assessment is incomplete or non-compliant, soybean meal may be blocked from being placed on the EU market (including Latvia) and can trigger enforcement actions.Implement EUDR-ready due diligence for soy: obtain supplier traceability (including origin/plot-level information as required), document risk assessment, and ensure a compliant due diligence statement process before placing product on the market.
Logistics MediumSoybean meal is freight-intensive; volatility in sea/land freight rates, port congestion, and handling costs can materially change landed costs into Latvia and disrupt supply continuity for feed users.Maintain multi-origin sourcing options (intra-EU and third-country), use forward freight/term contracts where feasible, and plan buffer inventories aligned to feed production schedules.
Food Safety MediumAs a high-volume feed material, soybean meal can face safety risks (e.g., microbiological contamination or chemical contaminants) that may result in border holds, rejections, or market withdrawals under EU feed safety systems (including RASFF information exchange).Use accredited testing and supplier QA (e.g., GMP+ aligned controls), require certificates of analysis where relevant, and maintain lot-level traceability to support rapid containment if an issue arises.
Documentation Gap MediumErrors or omissions in TRACES NT entry documentation (CHED-D where applicable) or missing quality/analysis documents can delay clearance at Latvia’s border control points and increase demurrage/handling costs.Run a pre-shipment documentation checklist aligned to Latvia PVD border control requirements; complete TRACES NT notifications early and ensure originals and laboratory documentation are consistent with the consignment.
Sustainability- Deforestation and land-conversion risk in soy supply chains (notably linked to Brazil’s Amazon/Cerrado context) and heightened scrutiny under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
- GHG and biodiversity impacts associated with land-use change in major soy-producing regions, increasing reputational and compliance risk for EU buyers.
Labor & Social- Human-rights and indigenous peoples’ land-rights due diligence expectations in sourcing regions (explicitly referenced within EUDR risk assessment criteria).
Standards- GMP+ Feed Safety Assurance (GMP+ FSA)
FAQ
Is soybean meal covered by the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) when importing into Latvia?Yes. The EU Deforestation Regulation lists “Soya” products in Annex I, and this includes CN 2304 (oilcake/meal from soya-bean oil extraction). That means soybean meal placed on the EU market (including Latvia) can be subject to EUDR due diligence and traceability requirements.
Where does Latvia typically source imported soybean meal from?UN Comtrade data (via World Bank WITS) shows that in 2023 Latvia imported soybean meal (HS 230400) primarily from Lithuania, with additional significant imports from Denmark, Argentina and the Netherlands.
What border-control paperwork is commonly referenced for importing plant-origin animal feed into Latvia?Latvia’s border control service description for animal feed (including plant origin) references completing the TRACES NT entry document (CHED-D) in advance and presenting the consignment with original accompanying documents, including documents on feed quality/harmlessness and certificates of analysis where applicable.