Linseed oil and fractions market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The linseed oil market in Germany showed notable fluctuations from 2018 to 2023. Market volume in physical terms rose to 72 thousand tonnes in 2019, then fell to 60 thousand tonnes in 2020 before recovering to 66 thousand tonnes in 2021. After this rebound, volume entered a sustained decline, dropping to 50 thousand tonnes in 2022 and further to 44 thousand tonnes in 2023.

Market value displayed even more pronounced swings, particularly in 2021 when it jumped 41% to 121 million US dollars despite a modest volume increase. An analysis of the market and supply situation for oils and fats was conducted that year, examining factors affecting the sector including linseed oil.

The subsequent contraction in both volume and value coincided with the introduction of broader regulatory frameworks in Germany. These included revisions to chemical labeling rules under the CLP regulation and new sustainability reporting requirements under the EU Green Deal, which began to shape the operating environment for bio-based products like linseed oil.

Production linseed oil and fractions in Germany

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany ranked as the world's fourth-largest producer of linseed oil and fractions.

Top producers of linseed oil and fractions, 2017-2020

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

In 2020, Germany produced 48,400 tonnes of linseed oil and fractions, marking a significant decline of 14.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 9.2%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.2%. The peak production occurred in 2019 at 56,900 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 7.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Germany in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Germany's production of linseed oil and fractions declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the output was valued at 77,215 thousand US dollars, down 13.8% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 17.4%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 5.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 89,527 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 17.0%.

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

Exports linseed oil and fractions from Germany

Exports in kind, t

Germany's exports of linseed oil and fractions increased in 2020, following a two-year decline. Exports reached 13,120 tonnes, showing a slight gain of 0.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 26.9%, with an annualized decline rate of 9.9%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 13,030 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual decline of 17.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany's exports of linseed oil and fractions in kind were diversified. Japan accounted for 15.0% of exports, the Netherlands for 14.3%, and Poland for 7.4%, together making up 36.7% of total flows. No single country held a clearly dominant position in this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Germany exported linseed oil and fractions worth 20,931 thousand US dollars, representing a modest uptick of 2.1% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 5.5%, with an annualized decline rate of 1.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 20,502 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2018 at 22,797 thousand US dollars. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 10.1%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 3.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, Japan, the Netherlands, and Austria were notable but not dominant buyers of linseed oil and fractions from Germany in value terms. Japan accounted for 11.8% of exports, the Netherlands for 10.4%, and Austria for 9.3%, with their combined share reaching 31.4% of total export value.

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

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

Imports linseed oil and fractions to Germany

Imports in kind, t

Germany's imports of linseed oil and fractions declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 27,400 tonnes, which is 13.4% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 20.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -7.4%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 31,443 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 2.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium was the main source of linseed oil and fractions for Germany, accounting for 71.5% of total imports in kind. The remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Germany imported linseed oil and fractions worth 29,253 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a moderate advance of 9.9% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 5.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 26,625 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2018 at 29,936 thousand US dollars. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 11.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, the United States, and France were the primary suppliers of linseed oil and fractions to Germany in value terms. Belgium accounted for 63.8% of imports, the United States for 8.4%, and France for 7.7%, jointly making up 79.9% of total import value.

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

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