Linseed oil and fractions market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the European linseed oil market was shaped by contrasting forces. The formation of the Linoléa alliance in France, targeting a significant expansion of linseed cultivation to support domestic oil production, contributed to a rise in overall output, which reached 284.6 thousand tons in 2019. However, this period also saw a sharp increase in exports, which jumped to 116.4 thousand tons in 2019, partly fueled by growing international demand evidenced by trade discussions between Kazakhstan and Japan. Consequently, the volume available on the domestic market contracted from 232.0 thousand tons in 2018 to 205.7 thousand tons in 2020, despite the underlying production growth.

From 2021 onward, global trends toward health and wellness sustained interest in linseed oil, with the organic segment maintaining a strong position. Innovations in sustainable packaging emerged in 2023, aligning with consumer preferences for eco-friendly products. Nevertheless, Europe's domestic market volume continued a gradual decline, falling to 195.9 thousand tons in 2023. This trend was consistent with the industry's ongoing focus on export markets, as highlighted by European companies forging new partnerships in Asia by 2024 and the continued consumer drive for high-quality, cold-pressed oils.

Production linseed oil and fractions in Europe

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

After two years of growth, linseed oil and fractions production in Europe declined. In 2019, production reached its peak at 284.6 thousand tons, but by 2020 it had fallen to 264.2 thousand tons, marking a moderate decrease of 7.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 6.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, when production rose by 8.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of linseed oil and fractions produced in Europe was 428.8 million US dollars, showing a moderate gain of 3.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 6.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 415.8 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 515.5 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when the value fell by 19.4%, and the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 12.5%.

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

Exports linseed oil and fractions from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, linseed oil and fractions exports from Europe totaled 108.9 thousand tons, reflecting a gradual decline of 6.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 34.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 10.4%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 80.7 thousand tons, while the highest was in 2019 at 116.4 thousand tons. The largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, when exports surged by 44.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, linseed oil and fractions exports from Europe were widely dispersed across partner countries. China accounted for 10.8% of exports in kind, Norway for 8.4%, and Japan for 3.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 23.0% of total export flows, indicating a broad distribution.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Linseed oil and fractions exports from Europe increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 176.6 million US dollars, which marks a controlled rise of 3.9% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 18%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 5.7%.

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

An analysis of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 shows a broad distribution across many markets. China accounted for 9.2% of exports in value terms, Norway for 6.9%, and Japan for 4.2%. Together, these three countries represented only 20.3% of total flows, with the remaining 79.7% going to other partners.

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

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

Imports linseed oil and fractions to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

Linseed oil and fractions imports into Europe increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, with approximately 50.3 thousand tons imported, which is 2.3% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 29.9%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 9.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States remained the key supplier of linseed oil and fractions to Europe, accounting for 2.0% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Europe imported approximately 141.9 million US dollars worth of linseed oil and fractions, which is 11.0% higher than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 14.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when imports fell by 3.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States and Europe, not elsewhere specified, occupied the top positions in the structure of imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 2.8% of total flows.

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

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