Linseed market in South America

Earlier Report Observations

The linseed market in South America experienced volatility from 2018 to 2023, starting with a decline in market volume to 26 315 t in 2019 from 35 097 t the previous year. This drop was primarily driven by adverse climatic conditions that hampered agricultural production, reducing domestic output. Concurrently, the entry of new players and a shift in consumer preferences towards healthier, natural products began to shape future demand.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 significantly altered market dynamics, boosting demand for natural foods like linseed as consumers sought healthier diets. This pushed market volume up to 42 026 t. In 2021, the market contracted to 35 036 t. While growing adoption of vegan and gluten-free diets supported demand, the introduction of stricter labeling and certification rules for natural products created temporary supply-side adjustments.

A strong recovery followed in 2022, with market volume reaching 44 397 t. This surge was fueled by the expansion of Brazil's bio-inputs market and supportive agricultural policies promoting sustainable practices, which enhanced linseed production. By 2023, the market eased to 39 804 t as climatic factors again affected crop yields, though diversification of sales channels through e-commerce continued to facilitate consumer access.

Production linseed in South America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of linseed, 2017-2020

World map of production of linseed, 2017-2020

In South America, linseed production reached 31 112 tonnes in 2020, marking a dramatic 44.4% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 13.5%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 4.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 21 544 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 33 256 tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 35.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in South America in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The value of linseed output in South America was 27 907 thousand US dollars in 2020, reflecting a steep 62.7% year-over-year advance. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 19.1%, corresponding to a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 17 156 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 37.2%.

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

Exports linseed from South America

Exports in kind, t

Linseed exports from South America declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 2 344 tonnes, representing a sharp 43.8% fall compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 66.1%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 30.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Canada were the primary destinations for South America's linseed exports in kind, together accounting for 47.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Exported linseed volumes from South America declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the value of these exports was 2 103 thousand US dollars, indicating a 36.7% year-over-year fall. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 64.4%, which corresponds to an annualized decline rate of 29.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the key destinations for South America's linseed exports in value terms were the United States (50.5% of exports), Canada (6.9%), and Spain (0.6%), together representing 58.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports linseed to South America

Imports in kind, t

Linseed imports into South America increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 13 258 tonnes, up by 48.2% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 50.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 14.7%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 8 446 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 3.9%.

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

Over the period 2017 to 2020, Canada and the United States led the markets for linseed imports in kind to South America, jointly accounting for 68.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Linseed deliveries to South America increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region imported approximately 9 903 thousand US dollars worth of linseed, up by 57.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 55.2%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 15.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 6 034 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 5.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada and the United States played the leading roles in linseed imports in value terms to South America, together accounting for 73.1% of total import flows.

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

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