Crude soybean oil and fractions market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, production of crude soybean oil in Russia remained relatively stable, ranging from 740 to 744 thousand tons annually, before dipping to 710 thousand tons in 2021. The domestic market volume contracted sharply to 213 thousand tons in 2020, a downturn linked to market destabilization from poor oilseed harvests, rising global raw material prices, and the introduction of a higher export duty on sunflower seeds in December 2020. Market volume recovered to 325 thousand tons in 2021 amid intense competition and continued state support for domestic producers.

A phase of strong expansion began in 2022, with production jumping to 949 thousand tons that year and reaching 1 147 thousand tons by 2025. This surge was primarily driven by an 8% increase in oilseed processing capacity in 2022 and the subsequent construction of major new processing facilities, such as the 1,500-ton-per-day plant near Belogorsk launched in 2023. Concurrently, the industry's shift towards domestic non-GMO soybean processing reduced reliance on imports and supported output growth.

Further growth was underpinned by regulatory and investment initiatives. The phased introduction of mandatory digital labeling for vegetable oils via the 'Chestny Znak' system, starting in October 2024, alongside the launch of new high-capacity plants in Primorsky Krai and Amur Oblast (with capacities up to 2,000 tons per day) by 2025, strengthened market infrastructure. These developments, combined with state subsidies for soybean seeds, contributed to a 16.8% increase in soybean oil production over the three years to 2025.

Production crude soybean oil and fractions in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's production of crude soybean oil and fractions has declined for the third year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 710 thousand tons, marking a gradual decrease of 4.1% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production fell by 4.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports crude soybean oil and fractions from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, Russia's exports of crude soybean oil and fractions declined in 2021. The country exported 432.6 thousand tons that year, down 24.6% year-on-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 10.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The peak was reached in 2020 at 573.5 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 11.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the three largest markets—China, Algeria, and Denmark—remained central to Russia's exports in volume terms, collectively accounting for 77.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Russia's export value of crude soybean oil and fractions increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports amounted to 493.6 million US dollars, up 20.1% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 45.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 332.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual decline of 2.1%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the largest annual increase of 23.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, the three largest markets—China, Algeria, and Denmark—remained the focal point of Russia's exports in value terms, together representing 77.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports crude soybean oil and fractions to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Russia's import volume of crude soybean oil and fractions declined in 2021. Imports totaled 44.3 thousand tons that year, down 24.9% compared to the prior year. Between 2018 and 2021, overall imports increased by 37.8%, equating to an average annual rate of 11.3%. The highest volume was recorded in 2020 at 59.0 thousand tons, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 54.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus dominated Russia's import structure in volume terms, accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Russia's import value of crude soybean oil and fractions rose for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 51.7 million US dollars, showing a strong increase of 14.4% year-on-year. Between 2018 and 2021, import value surged by 127.6%, which corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 31.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Belarus was the sole dominant partner in Russia's import structure in value terms, consistently making up 100.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021