Linseed oil and fractions market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The linseed oil market in Northern America experienced a significant contraction between 2018 and 2020, with its volume falling from 93 573 t to 65 413 t. The most pronounced decline occurred in 2020.

A strong recovery followed in 2021, lifting the market size to 81 526 t. This growth was driven by major industry consolidation, including Cargill's acquisition of a significant part of Croda's industrial chemicals business, and sustained demand from the paints and coatings segment for natural varnishes and drying lubricants.

From 2022 to 2023, the market volume stabilized around 79 000 t. While ongoing consumer trends favoring natural and chemical-free products in food and personal care supported demand, emerging supply constraints began to influence the market. These included a sharp production decline in Kazakhstan, a key exporter, and reduced planting areas in the United States and India. Concurrently, industry innovation continued, with strategic partnerships to develop bio-based binders and investments in R&D to improve product performance.

Production linseed oil and fractions in Northern America

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

Northern America's production of linseed oil and fractions has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 92.4 K t, which represents a moderate decrease of 3.3% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 8.7%, averaging an annual decline of 3.0%.

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

Exports linseed oil and fractions from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed an unstable trend over this period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 192 t, while exports peaked in 2020 at 28 188 t, reflecting an 8.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, deliveries from Northern America surged by 698.8% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 0.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, South Korea, and Japan remained the top buyers of linseed oil and fractions from Northern America. China accounted for 69.4% of exports in kind, South Korea for 9.4%, and Japan for 6.5%. Together, these three countries represented 85.3% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms was volatile throughout the timeframe. The lowest point was in 2017, while exports reached their peak in 2020, showing a 3.3-fold gap. In 2020, Northern America exported 25 702 K $ US of linseed oil and fractions, marking a significant increase of 202.2% from the previous year. The largest decline was observed in 2019, with a decrease of 0.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Japan, and South Korea were the leading markets for exports in value terms. China held a 36.5% share, Japan 15.8%, and South Korea 4.5%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 56.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports linseed oil and fractions to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes experienced noticeable fluctuations during this period. The minimum was recorded in 2019 at 256 t, while the maximum occurred in 2017, resulting in a 5.3-fold variation. In 2020, imports to Northern America rose to 1 201 t, an increase of 368.4% year-over-year. The largest decline took place in 2018, with a drop of 80.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind of linseed oil and fractions to Northern America were widely distributed across various markets. China was the largest source with 11.3% of imports, followed by Belgium at 5.1% and the Philippines at 1.1%. Together, these three countries made up only 17.5% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values showed significant fluctuations over the period. The lowest point was in 2019 at 2 715 K $ US, while imports peaked in 2020, with a 1.8-fold difference. In 2020, Northern America imported 4 808 K $ US of linseed oil and fractions, up by 77.1% compared to the prior year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, with a decrease of 19.3%.

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

During 2017–2020, China, Belgium, and France were key suppliers of linseed oil and fractions to Northern America in value terms. China accounted for 20.3% of imports, Belgium for 2.9%, and France for 2.0%. However, their combined share reached only 25.2% of total imports, with the remaining 74.8% spread across numerous other partners.

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

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