Linseed oil and fractions market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for linseed oil and fractions in Southern Asia reached 74.7 thousand tons in 2018, underpinned by improved linseed cultivation techniques in Himalayan regions and procurement activities of state-owned entities like ONGC through government platforms. By 2020, market volume had declined to 50.2 thousand tons, a period during which global technological advancements and new product launches by major companies such as Cargill and Krishi Oils Ltd. were noted, alongside a shift in consumer preference toward organic and health-beneficial linseed oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

After stabilizing near 50 thousand tons in 2021, the market expanded sharply to 75.9 thousand tons in 2022, the highest level in the period, before receding to 55.5 thousand tons in 2023.

In 2024, the Indian government approved the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds with an outlay of Rs 10,103 crore to boost domestic oilseed production including linseed, while import duties on edible oils were increased. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India also updated labeling regulations, mandating fat content declaration and prohibiting the reuse of containers for edible oils.

Production linseed oil and fractions in Southern Asia

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

Southern Asia's production of linseed oil and fractions has declined for two consecutive years. In 2020, the region produced 49,823 tonnes, marking a significant 19.4% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 30.6%, with an average annual decline of 11.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 74,215 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 3.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports linseed oil and fractions from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. Export volumes varied significantly, with the lowest point in 2017 and the peak in 2019, showing a 37-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Southern Asia exported 247.6 tonnes of linseed oil and fractions, reflecting a sharp 29.2% year-over-year decline. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 349.8 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 with a remarkable 1,581.7% growth.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Malaysia, the United States, and South Africa remained the top buyers of linseed oil and fractions from Southern Asia. Malaysia accounted for 1.0% of exports in kind, the United States for 0.9%, and South Africa for 0.7%. Together, these three countries represented 2.5% of total exports in kind during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the observed timeframe. Export values experienced substantial variation, with the lowest point in 2017 and the peak in 2019, representing a 42-fold difference. In 2020, foreign supplies of linseed oil and fractions from Southern Asia amounted to 551 thousand US dollars, down 29.2% compared to the previous year. The highest export value was recorded in 2019 at 779 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 with a dramatic 2,139.5% growth.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States, South Africa, and Malaysia formed the core of exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 1.4% of export value, South Africa for 1.3%, and Malaysia for 1.1%. Collectively, these three countries represented 3.8% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Imports linseed oil and fractions to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, t

The market demonstrated volatility during the observed period. Import volumes showed considerable fluctuation, with the lowest point in 2017 and the peak in 2018, representing a 2.1-fold difference. In 2020, Southern Asia imported 584.5 tonnes of linseed oil and fractions from abroad, showing a sharp 42.5% increase compared to the previous year. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 672.4 tonnes. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 with a 39.0% decrease, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with 108.3% growth.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Southern Asia's suppliers of linseed oil and fractions were diverse. Belgium accounted for 19.2% of imports in kind, the United States for 12.4%, and China for 1.7%. Together, these three countries represented 33.3% of total imports in kind, with the remaining 66.7% distributed among numerous other countries with smaller but still notable shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, showing a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Southern Asia imported linseed oil and fractions valued at 1,300 thousand US dollars, representing a 65.0% increase from the previous year. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 with a 35.4% decrease, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 with 81.4% growth.

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

The country composition of imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. Belgium accounted for 19.5% of import value, the United States for 13.3%, and China for 5.5%. Together, these three countries represented 38.3% of total import flows, with the remaining 61.7% distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

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

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