Linseed market in India, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the linseed market volume in India reached 163.5 thousand tons, supported by systematic breeding programs that had developed 87 improved varieties resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. The following year, the market contracted sharply to 86.9 thousand tons. By 2020, it recovered to 108.5 thousand tons, as the COVID-19 pandemic influenced demand patterns and major companies like Cargill and Krishi Oils Ltd. remained active with new strategies.

After a slight dip to 100.7 thousand tons in 2021, the market grew steadily to 113.4 thousand tons in 2022 and then surged to 152.4 thousand tons in 2023. This recovery brought the market close to its 2018 level, occurring alongside ongoing government policy support and the development of new linseed varieties, although low seed replacement ratios continued to pose productivity challenges.

Production linseed in India

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, India ranked as the 5th largest producer of linseed from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of linseed, 2017-2020

World map of production of linseed, 2017-2020

Following a two-year decline, linseed production in India increased in 2020. That year, India produced 120.7 K t of linseed, marking a 21.8% year-over-year rise. However, from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 34.5%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 13.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 99.1 K t, with the steepest decline of 43.0% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of decrease, linseed production in India saw an upturn in 2020. The output was valued at 117.0 M $ US, representing a 26.1% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value dropped by 38.3%, averaging an annualized decline of 14.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 92.8 M $ US, with the largest decline of 41.4% also taking place that year.

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

Exports linseed from India

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, linseed exports from India declined in 2020. The export volume reached 12 493 t, showing a 1.0% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports overall increased by 54.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.7%. The peak volume was recorded in 2019 at 12 614 t, and the largest increase of 41.1% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Germany, the United States, and the Netherlands—collectively accounted for 81.5% of India's total linseed exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Linseed exports from India increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. Export value reached 12 109 K $ US, reflecting a slight rise of 2.5% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 46%, equating to an annualized rate of 13.4%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Germany (34.9% of export value), the United States (26.8% of export value), and the Netherlands (19.5% of export value) formed the core of India's linseed exports, together representing 81.2% of total export flows in value terms.

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

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

Imports linseed to India

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports bottomed in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, India's linseed import volume amounted to 341 t, corresponding to a 15.0% decrease from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 074 t. The largest decline of 62.7% occurred in 2019, while the largest increase of 224.5% was recorded in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nepal (57.4% of import volume), Russia (17.2% of import volume), and the United States (9.0% of import volume) consistently held leading positions in India's linseed import structure, jointly accounting for 83.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import levels fluctuated, with a 2.9-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2018. In 2020, India's linseed import value stood at 260 K $ US, indicating a slight rise of 2.2% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 626 K $ US. The largest decline of 59.4% occurred in 2019, while the largest increase of 185.1% was recorded in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nepal (55.8% of import value), the United States (14.6% of import value), and Russia (9.6% of import value) led the ranking of linseed suppliers to India, with their combined share reaching 80.0% of total imports in value terms.

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

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