Linseed oil and fractions market in Japan

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for linseed oil and fractions in Japan started at 7 913 t in 2018 and surged to 10 691 t in 2019. This growth occurred alongside tightening regulations on additives, labeling, and cross-border chemical transport, which compelled processors to refine their protocols. After a drop to 8 737 t in 2020, the market recovered to 10 281 t in 2021.

From 2022 onward, the market volume declined to 9 715 t and then to 6 821 t in 2023. During this period, several factors shaped the landscape: consumer interest in organic cosmetics and health supplements boosted demand for linseed oil rich in omega-3, while companies increasingly focused on sustainability and direct-to-consumer sales channels. Additionally, global raw material price hikes, driven by currency fluctuations and geopolitical events, affected cost structures.

Throughout the observed years, the expansion of linseed oil applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and coatings supported market activity, even as production volumes within Japan remained modest. The introduction of innovative packaging, such as oxidation-resistant bottles, aimed to enhance product quality and meet evolving consumer preferences.

Production linseed oil and fractions in Japan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Japan ranked 26th globally in the production of linseed oil and fractions.

Top producers of linseed oil and fractions, 2018-2021

World map of production of linseed oil and fractions, 2018-2021

Following a two-year decline, Japan's production volume of linseed oil and fractions rebounded. In 2021, Japan produced 1,500 tonnes of linseed oil and fractions, marking a 12.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 15.1%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 5.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 1,335 tonnes, with the steepest decline of 15.7% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

After a two-year downturn, the value of linseed oil and fractions production in Japan saw an upturn. In 2021, the output was valued at 7,661 thousand US dollars, representing a 23.7% rise compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production value grew by 4.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 6,193 thousand US dollars, while the largest drop of 14.4% took place in 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Japan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports linseed oil and fractions from Japan

Exports in kind, t

Japan's exports of linseed oil and fractions increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 22 tonnes, up by 28.3% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports declined by 19.2%, averaging a 6.9% annual decrease. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 17 tonnes, with the sharpest fall of 38.5% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, Japan's linseed oil and fractions exports were primarily directed to Thailand, which accounted for 96.4% of total export volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Japan's cross-border shipments of linseed oil and fractions grew for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports were valued at 114 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 41.3% from the year before. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 67 thousand US dollars, with the most significant decline of 41.3% also occurring in that year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Thailand dominated Japan's exports in value terms, capturing 77.1% of total flows, while other markets made up a fragmented remainder.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Japan in value, 2018-2021

Imports linseed oil and fractions to Japan

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, Japan's imports of foreign linseed oil and fractions amounted to 8,803 tonnes, an 18.7% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports rose by 42.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 9,124 tonnes, while the largest decline of 18.7% occurred in 2020. The most substantial increase of 47.8% was also noted in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018-2021, Belgium, Germany, and the United States formed the core group of suppliers for Japan's imports in volume terms. Belgium accounted for 52.7% of imports, Germany for 26.1%, and the United States for 11.1%, collectively representing 89.9% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2021, Japan's imports of foreign linseed oil and fractions were valued at 20,077 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 55.9% increase compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, import value grew by 72.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.9%. The largest decline of 19.0% was recorded in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, Belgium, Germany, and Canada were the top contributors to Japan's imports in value terms. Belgium accounted for 43.5% of imports, Germany for 17.6%, and Canada for 14.9%, together making up 76.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Japan in value, 2018-2021