Industry News
January 1983
in “
Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society
”
TLDR The U.S. soybean industry wanted government help due to foreign competition, while the jojoba industry was growing and expected to stabilize.
In 1983, the U.S. National Soybean Processors Association (NSPA) expressed concerns about international subsidies negatively impacting U.S. soybean oil and meal exports, leading to the U.S. becoming a residual supplier. The NSPA called for U.S. government action to support domestic soy processors through various trade policies and financial measures. Despite the U.S.'s status as the largest soybean producer with efficient processing, market share had been lost since the mid-1970s due to foreign subsidies and other factors. The NSPA suggested that increasing soy processing could significantly benefit the U.S. economy and job market. Concurrently, the jojoba industry was experiencing growth, with expectations of price stabilization and expanded use in various markets. Jojoba oil was being explored for uses in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, lubricants, and potentially as a food product. Despite the current imbalance between investment and returns, the industry was optimistic about its future, focusing on research and market development.