Linseed oil and fractions market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the linseed oil market in the United States grew by over 8%, reaching 83 thousand tonnes. This increase was driven by rising consumer demand for natural ingredients in food, personal care, and coatings industries, supported by trends like do-it-yourself home improvement and organic skincare. A sharp decline in exports during this period also made more supply available for domestic consumption.

Market volume fell by 12.7% in 2020 to 72.6 thousand tonnes, primarily due to global supply constraints from delayed harvesting seasons in the U.S. and India, which reduced linseed availability and pressured prices. The decline continued in 2021, with volume dropping to 66.1 thousand tonnes, as supply chain disruptions persisted.

Volume recovered to 73.2 thousand tonnes in 2022, a 10.7% increase, despite intensified supply limits from a significant production drop in Kazakhstan and reduced U.S. planting areas. This growth was buoyed by growing industrial interest in bio-based binders using polymerized linseed oil, highlighted by ADM's partnership with a U.S. coatings manufacturer. In 2023, volume dipped again to 68.5 thousand tonnes amid supply shortages and price volatility, even as over 65 new linseed oil-based products were launched globally, reflecting innovation in clean-label health and eco-conscious segments. Strategic moves in 2024, such as Cargill's investments in regenerative flaxseed agriculture and ADM's partnership, pointed to ongoing industry consolidation and efforts to secure sustainable supply chains.

Production linseed oil and fractions in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked third globally in the production 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, the United States produced 78 400 tonnes of linseed oil and fractions, marking a modest decline of 6.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 6.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 83 700 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 4.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports linseed oil and fractions from the United States

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. From 2017 to 2019, exports fluctuated significantly, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 4.8 times. In 2020, the United States exported 7 492 tonnes of linseed oil and fractions, representing a sharp increase of 257.0% from the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 098 tonnes, which also experienced the largest decline of 61.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Chile (35.7% of exports in kind), China (20.2% of exports in kind), and Canada (12.1% of exports in kind) were the key export partners for the United States, collectively accounting for 68.0% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market displayed volatility during these years. Exports reached their peak in 2017 and fell to their lowest point in 2019, with a 2.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the United States exported linseed oil and fractions worth 14 740 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp rise of 144.9% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 6 020 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 42.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for exports in value terms were Canada, China, and Chile, which together 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 the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports linseed oil and fractions to the United States

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, the United States imported 1 741 tonnes of linseed oil and fractions, showing a 4.8% increase over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 12%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -4.2%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 661 tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 2 679 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 38.0%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 35.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for imports in kind of linseed oil and fractions to the United States were Canada (44.3% of imports in kind), China (28.6% of imports in kind), and Mexico (14.5% of imports in kind), which together made up 87.3% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed volatility during these years. Imports peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2017, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the United States imported linseed oil and fractions worth 12 735 thousand US dollars, indicating a moderate decline of 5.2% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 12 735 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 39.3%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 87.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest suppliers of linseed oil and fractions to the United States in value terms were Canada (49.4% of imports in value terms), China (19.1% of imports in value terms), and Mexico (18.9% of imports in value terms), collectively forming 87.4% of total imports in value terms.

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

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020