Linseed market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the linseed market in Eastern Asia expanded slightly in volume, rising from 766 thousand tons to 771 thousand tons. This early growth was underpinned by a global shift in flaxseed production towards Asia and Europe, with China's industry in its nascent stage. Concurrently, established regulations in developed countries promoting alpha-linolenic acid intake stimulated broader market development. Increased activity from major players such as Meng Gu Xiang, Nature’s Bounty, and Henry Lamotte Oils further intensified competition and market dynamism.

Market volume dipped to 707 thousand tons in 2020 before recovering to 768 thousand tons in 2021 and climbing to 890 thousand tons by 2022, reflecting a period of volatility followed by steady growth.

In 2023, the market surged to 1 485 thousand tons, driven by the emergence of segmented flaxseed protein products and heightened research and development efforts by key companies. The ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to reshape supply chains and consumer behavior, prompting market adjustments. By 2024, weaker demand in China led to price stabilization, while industry innovation focused on cold-pressing technology, supply chain traceability, and product diversification to meet health-conscious consumer preferences.

Production linseed in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of linseed, 2017-2020

World map of production of linseed, 2017-2020

Eastern Asia's linseed production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 330.0 K t of linseed, marking a slight decrease of 2.9% compared to the previous year. Looking back from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 9.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.1%. The highest production level was in 2018, reaching 366.0 K t. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 7.1% decrease, while the largest increase was a modest 0.8% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Eastern Asia's linseed production value has also decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 465.6 M $ US, showing a 5.6% contraction from the year before. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value declined by 4.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.6%. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 504.8 M $ US, and the largest increase during this time was 3.4% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports linseed from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Eastern Asia's linseed export volume has fallen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 1.0 K t, representing a sharp decline of 17.2% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports plummeted by 76.3%, averaging an annual decrease of 38.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, the main destinations for Eastern Asia's linseed exports in volume terms were Germany, accounting for 30.5% of exports, the Netherlands with 28.4%, and New Zealand at 6.0%. Together, these three countries made up 64.9% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Linseed shipments from Eastern Asia to abroad have also declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 1.4 M $ US, down by 19.4% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value dropped by 75.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -37.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the largest buyers of linseed from Eastern Asia in value terms were Germany, with 34.9% of exports, the Netherlands at 31.1%, and New Zealand with 7.5%. Combined, these three markets accounted for 73.4% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports linseed to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After increasing for two years, Eastern Asia's linseed import volume declined in 2020. Imports amounted to 378.4 K t, down by 12.4% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 9.3%, with an average annual increase of 3.0%. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 432.1 K t, and the largest rise was 16.4% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada and Russia were the primary sources for Eastern Asia's linseed imports in volume terms, together making up 90.3% of total flows, while other partners contributed the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Eastern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year rise, Eastern Asia's imported linseed value declined in 2020. The region imported approximately 175.0 M $ US of linseed, reflecting a 6.7% year-over-year decrease. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 12.6%, averaging an annual growth of 4.0%. The peak value was in 2019 at 187.5 M $ US, and the largest increase was 17.6% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In the 2017-2020 period, Canada and Russia remained the key sources for Eastern Asia's linseed imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 90.1% of total flows, with other partners playing a much smaller role individually.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Eastern Asia in value, 2017-2020