Linseed oil and fractions market in China

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, China's linseed oil production remained stable at around 226–229 thousand tons annually. During this period, the market was shaped by the implementation of new national quality standards, such as GB/T 8235-2019 for linseed oil, which took effect in 2020 and helped standardize product specifications. Regulatory updates, including revisions to pesticide registration rules and guidelines for green innovation in refining, were introduced, setting a foundation for future industry development. Consumer interest in linseed oil as a health-conscious food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids began to grow, supporting market demand. The total market volume fluctuated, with a dip in 2021 to 272.3 thousand tons, influenced primarily by a reduction in import volumes during that year.

A notable expansion occurred from 2022 to 2023, with domestic production rising to 258.9 thousand tons in 2022 and surging to 319.3 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was driven by concrete policy measures, including the Ministry of Agriculture's 2022 action plans to reduce chemical pesticide and fertilizer use by 2025, which promoted sustainable raw material cultivation. The introduction of the updated national standard for linseed (GB/T 15681-2022) and technical production specifications enhanced product quality and manufacturing efficiency. Concurrently, strong consumer preference for healthy, cold-pressed, and organic variants fueled demand, while major market players like Shape Foods Inc. accelerated product development and market expansion, further stimulating production capacity.

Production linseed oil and fractions in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China maintained its position as the world's leading producer of linseed oil and fractions by volume.

Top producers of linseed oil and fractions, 2017-2020

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

After two years of growth, China's production of linseed oil and fractions declined. In 2020, output reached 225.8 K t, a decrease of 1.3% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 8.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.8%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 228.8 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 8.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of linseed oil and fractions production in China was 661.5 M $ US, up 7.4% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 4.5%, with a CAGR of 1.5%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 616.0 M $ US, and the highest was in 2018 at 697.7 M $ US. The most significant decline took place in 2019, dropping by 11.7%.

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

Exports linseed oil and fractions from China

Exports in kind, t

China's exports of linseed oil and fractions declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, export volume was 930 t, down 18.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 49.5%, with a CAGR of 20.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (70.0% of exports in kind), Malaysia (8.0%), and Australia (6.0%) were the main buyers of linseed oil and fractions from China, together accounting for 84.0% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

China's exports of linseed oil and fractions in value terms fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 725 K $ US, a sharp drop of 11.6% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 55.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 23.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Malaysia, and Australia were the top markets for China's linseed oil and fractions exports in value terms, collectively representing 80.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports linseed oil and fractions to China

Imports in kind, t

China's imports of linseed oil and fractions increased for the third straight year. In 2020, import volume reached 57 901 t, a 5.5% rise year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 44.7%, with a CAGR of 13.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan (48.3% of imports in kind), Russia (16.9%), and Turkey (15.1%) were the key sources for China's linseed oil and fractions imports, together making up 80.4% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

China's imports of linseed oil and fractions in value terms rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 56 089 K $ US, an increase of 17.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 60.9%, with a CAGR of 17.2%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Kazakhstan (43.5% of imports in value terms), Russia (16.7%), and Turkey (14.9%) were the primary suppliers of linseed oil and fractions to China, jointly accounting for 75.1% of total imports in value terms.

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

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