Last updated 8 Jun 2023
Bolivia's soy industry faces an uncertain future as production plummets and a major player sells its operations. Trase looks at evidence of the impacts of deforestation and climate change on soy production and considers what it could mean for the industry in South America.
The rate of deforestation and land conversion driven by soy production in Bolivia is seven times higher than Brazil. Limited exports of soy from Bolivia beyond the Andes region means there is little exposure for the EU or other consumer markets outside South America.
Forests and other natural ecosystems in Bolivia are being devastated by expanding soy plantations. But with a government focused on economic development and little pressure from consumers demanding deforestation-free products, the prospects for action seem remote.