Linseed oil and fractions market in Northern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The market for linseed oil and its fractions in Northern Africa experienced a multi-year contraction from 9 722 t in 2018 to a low of 6 965 t in 2022, driven by consistent declines in both domestic production and import volumes. This downward trend reversed in 2023, with the total market volume recovering to 8 356 t, supported by a significant rebound in production to 7 832 t.

By 2024, import volumes rose to 600 t, aligning with broader trends of increasing health awareness and a preference for plant-based diets, which elevated global demand for flaxseed products. The market's evolution was further shaped by the growing availability of organic and local linseed oil through expanded e-commerce distribution channels in the region.

Production linseed oil and fractions in Northern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of linseed oil and fractions, 2017-2020

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

Linseed oil and fractions production in Northern Africa has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, production reached 6 884 tonnes, marking a 1.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 3.9%, which translates to an average annual increase of 1.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 8 672 tonnes, when output surged by 30.9%. However, the following year saw the sharpest decline, with production dropping by 19.3% in 2019.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of linseed oil and fractions production in Northern Africa stood at 9 251 thousand US dollars, representing a significant year-over-year increase of 25.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 7 384 thousand US dollars, which marked a substantial decline of 42.5% from the previous year. Conversely, the peak value occurred in 2018 at 12 845 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong increase of 38.2%.

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

Exports linseed oil and fractions from Northern Africa

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports varied significantly, with the lowest point in 2017 and the highest in 2019, resulting in a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Northern Africa exported 20 tonnes of linseed oil and fractions, which represents a 44.5% decrease compared to the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 37 tonnes, when exports surged by 134.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export partner landscape for linseed oil and fractions in kind was quite diverse. The United States accounted for 29.1% of exports, Mauritania for 10.5%, and Nigeria for 8.0%. Together, these three countries represented only 47.5% of total export flows, while the remaining 52.5% was distributed among numerous other countries, indicating a broad spread of trade partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two consecutive years of growth, exports of linseed oil and fractions from Northern Africa declined. In 2020, export value amounted to 27 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp decrease of 29.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 26.3% overall, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.1%. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 39 thousand US dollars, when exports rose by 67.1%.

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

During 2017–2020, exports of linseed oil and fractions from Northern Africa in value terms were relatively evenly distributed. The United States accounted for 23.2% of export value, Mauritania for 13.8%, and France for 7.9%. Combined, these three countries represented only 44.9% of total export flows, highlighting a diversified trade structure.

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

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

Imports linseed oil and fractions to Northern Africa

Imports in kind, t

Imports of linseed oil and fractions into Northern Africa have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 622 tonnes, down by 24.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 96.6% overall, equating to an average annual decline of 67.6%.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, imports of linseed oil and fractions in kind to Northern Africa were characterized by a broad spread across markets. The United Arab Emirates accounted for 39.2% of imports, Belgium for 5.7%, and Germany for 2.6%. Together, these three countries represented only 47.5% of total import flows, indicating a diversified sourcing pattern.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of linseed oil and fractions into Northern Africa have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, import value was recorded at 858 thousand US dollars, which is 11.2% lower compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 97.5% overall, with a compound annual decline of 70.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates was the largest supplier of linseed oil and fractions to Northern Africa in value terms, accounting for 40.1% of imports. Belgium contributed 4.4%, and the United States 2.4%. However, their combined share was limited to 46.8% of total import value, reflecting a diversified country structure with many other suppliers involved.

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

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