Linseed market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French linseed market volume showed considerable volatility from 2018 to 2023, starting at 80 196 t before falling to 63 400 t in 2019. A sharp recovery followed in 2020, lifting the market to 89 537 t, and it stabilized near 89 759 t in 2021. Another contraction occurred in 2022, bringing volume down to 66 512 t, with a partial rebound to 71 884 t recorded in 2023.

In 2024, the sector experienced several developments, including an expansion of flax cultivation area in France to 162 124 hectares and industry-led plans to secure certified seed supply and boost research for climate adaptation. Concurrently, rising consumer demand for vegan and gluten-free diets increased the use of linseed as a nutritious ingredient in functional foods and beverages, while the shift toward sustainable farming practices reinforced its role as a soil-improving rotation crop.

Production linseed in France

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, France ranked as the world's eighth-largest producer of linseed.

Top producers of linseed, 2017-2020

World map of production of linseed, 2017-2020

Following a two-year decline, France's linseed production rebounded in 2020, reaching 59 540 tonnes. This marked a sharp increase of 30.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 8.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 45 500 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 16.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of decline, linseed production in France saw a recovery in 2020, with output valued at 42 933 thousand US dollars. This represented a steep rise of 56.4% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 28.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 8.7%. The minimum value was in 2019 at 27 443 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline was in 2018, with a decrease of 16.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports linseed from France

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, France's linseed exports amounted to 12 894 tonnes, down by 9.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 10.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.5%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 10 554 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 14 209 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 9.4%, and the largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 34.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from France in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Switzerland were the main markets for France's linseed exports in kind. Belgium accounted for 63.9% of exports, the Netherlands for 7.8%, and Switzerland for 6.7%. Together, these three countries represented 78.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Linseed exports from France increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 9 298 thousand US dollars, which reflects a gradual improvement of 8.5% compared to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 30.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 6 413 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 9.7%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 33.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from France in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands accounted for the largest share of France's linseed exports in value terms. Belgium represented 48.1% of exports, Italy 8.0%, and the Netherlands 7.1%. Combined, these three markets comprised 63.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports linseed to France

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, France imported approximately 42 892 tonnes of linseed, marking an increase of 33.6% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 16.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.2%. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 32 109 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 44 920 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 28.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to France in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands formed the core group of markets for France's linseed imports in kind. The United Kingdom accounted for 41.6% of imports, Belgium for 28.5%, and the Netherlands for 10.3%. Together, these three countries represented 80.3% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, France's linseed imports totaled 34 125 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a steep increase of 54.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 44.1%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 13.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 22 117 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 24.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to France in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands accounted for the largest share of France's linseed imports in value terms. The United Kingdom represented 36.9% of imports, Belgium 25.2%, and the Netherlands 14.1%. Combined, these three markets comprised 76.2% of total import flows.

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

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