Linseed oil and fractions market in Americas

Earlier Report Observations

The linseed oil market in the Americas saw its volume decline from 105.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 100.8 thousand tons in 2019, followed by a sharp contraction to 75.6 thousand tons in 2020.

A recovery began in 2021, with market volume rising to 92.4 thousand tons. This rebound coincided with North America solidifying its position as the world's largest linseed oil market, where increased residential construction investment in Asia Pacific and demand for wood goods indirectly bolstered regional demand.

After a slight stabilization at 91.0 thousand tons in 2022, the market expanded to 98.7 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was supported by significant investment in cold-press processing infrastructure in North America, driven by rising consumer preference for chemical-free oils. Simultaneously, global supply faced constraints due to a 57% production drop in Kazakhstan, affecting prices and availability. The market also adapted through new sales channels, as demonstrated by Shape Foods' partnership with an e-commerce platform, which boosted direct-to-consumer sales.

Production linseed oil and fractions in Americas

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of linseed oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of linseed oil and fractions, 2017-2020

Production of linseed oil and fractions in the Americas has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 98.7 thousand tonnes, which is 2.7% lower than in the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10.7%, with an average annual decline of 3.7%.

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

Exports linseed oil and fractions from Americas

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 3 220 tonnes, then surged to a peak of 28 962 tonnes in 2020, marking a dramatic 710.8% increase year-over-year. This represents a ninefold difference between the trough and peak. The sharpest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 80.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, South Korea, and Japan were the top destinations for exports in volume terms. China accounted for 42.2% of exports, South Korea for 5.7%, and Japan for 3.9%. Together, these three countries made up 51.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend over this period. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 8 594 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2017, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 3.7 times. In 2020, cross-border shipments of linseed oil and fractions from the Americas amounted to 27 066 thousand US dollars, a substantial increase of 214.9% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 62.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Japan, and South Korea were the leading buyers in value terms, though their dominance was not overwhelming. China accounted for 20.4% of exports, Japan for 8.8%, and South Korea for 2.5%. Combined, they represented 31.7% of total export value, with many smaller partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports linseed oil and fractions to Americas

Imports in kind, t

The market experienced volatility throughout the observed timeframe. Imports reached their lowest level in 2019 at 2 958 tonnes, while the highest was in 2017, showing a 7.5-fold gap between these extremes. In 2020, foreign supplies of linseed oil and fractions to the Americas totaled 5 902 tonnes, a sharp rise of 99.5% from the prior year. The most significant drop was in 2018, with a decline of 74.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Germany, and China were the key sources for imports in volume terms. Together, these three markets accounted for 21.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility during this period. The span from 2017 to 2019 saw a peak-to-trough amplitude of 5.6 times. In 2020, the value of linseed oil and fractions imported into the Americas was 12 799 thousand US dollars, up by 79.4% over the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 7 136 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in the same year, falling by 72.9%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Belgium, Germany, and China led the ranking of suppliers in value terms. Belgium accounted for 7.9% of imports, Germany for 6.4%, and China for 3.4%. Their combined share reached 17.7% of total import value.

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

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