Brazil was the largest exporter with 18% of the world total, and the United States was the largest buyer.
What this market covers
Protein made from bacteria, yeast, fungi or algae grown on gas, sugar or waste streams. It is sold for animal feed and increasingly for human food.
Typical segments
- Bacterial protein
- Yeast protein
- Fungal mycoprotein
- Algal protein
Why this market is moving now
- World trade grew 44% from 2019 to 2024, a direct read on cross-border demand.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| World exports of inactive yeasts (HS 210220), the trade category that includes single cell protein, were worth $1.16 billion in 2024. | 1.16 USD billion | 2024 | |
| World exports were 44% higher in 2024 than in 2019 ($808.7 million), calculated from the annual totals. | +44 % since 2019 | 2024 | |
| Brazil was the largest exporter in 2024, with 18% of world exports ($208.2 million). | 18 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The three largest exporters, Brazil, China and the United States, shipped 38% of world exports in 2024. | 38 % of world exports | 2024 | |
| The United States was the largest importer in 2024, buying $164.1 million, or 14% of world imports. | 14 % of world imports | 2024 | |
| 50 countries exported more than $1 million of this product in 2024. | 50 countries | 2024 | |
| The average world export price was about $2.20 per kilogram in 2024, calculated from value and weight. | 2.20 USD per kg | 2024 | |
| Countries exported 527.6 thousand tonnes of this product in 2024. | 527.6 thousand tonnes | 2024 | |
| Researchers worldwide published 107 papers on single cell protein in 2025. | 107 papers | 2025 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Buyers and suppliers
Who buys
- Feed producers
- Food brands
- Aquaculture firms
Largest exporting countries, 2024
Largest importing countries, 2024
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
Included with the full report
- PDF report, 40 to 60 pages
- Excel data pack
- Ready-to-use charts
- Method note and assumptions
- Written to order in 5 working days
Frequently asked questions
How big is the global single cell protein market?
There is no single official market total. World exports of HS 210220 reached $1.16 billion in 2024, a direct measure of cross-border trade.
Which countries export the most single cell protein?
Brazil led world exports in 2024 with 18% of the total, followed by China, the United States and France.
Which countries import the most single cell protein?
The United States was the largest importer in 2024, followed by the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands.
Is world trade in single cell protein growing?
World exports were 44% higher in 2024 than in 2019.
What is the average export price of single cell protein?
Dividing world export value by weight gives about $2.20 per kilogram in 2024.
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