Linseed oil-cake market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The Asian linseed oil-cake market experienced a contraction in volume from 554 thousand tons in 2018 to 499 thousand tons in 2021. This period saw the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global supply chains in 2020, affecting seed availability and production, while growing consumer awareness of organic and health-oriented products provided some underlying support. Entry of new players focused on organic offerings and regulatory changes for labeling in 2021 laid groundwork for future expansion, though market volume continued to decline.

A sharp reversal occurred from 2022, with market volume jumping to 622 thousand tons and further to 691 thousand tons in 2023. This growth was primarily driven by a significant drop in production from Kazakhstan, a key exporter, which constrained regional supply and increased focus on local output. Concurrently, policy changes in Asian countries regarding import and export rules were enacted to protect domestic production, encouraging market expansion. Investments in enzymatic extraction technologies and automation in processing plants improved efficiency and supported this upward trend.

The market's value in monetary terms showed a stronger recovery, rising from $166 million in 2021 to $247 million in 2023, indicating higher prices or a shift toward more value-added products. Continued regulatory adjustments to meet environmental and sustainability standards, along with over 65 new product launches globally influencing the Asian segment, fostered innovation and consumer interest in certified ecological linseed oil-cake.

Production linseed oil-cake in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of linseed oil-cake, 2017-2020

World map of production of linseed oil-cake, 2017-2020

Asia's linseed oil-cake production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 556.3 thousand tons, showing a slight decrease of 0.7% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 13.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of linseed oil-cake output in Asia reached 150.8 million US dollars, marking a significant increase of 18.8% from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 127.0 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 152.8 million US dollars. The sharpest drop was seen in 2019, with a decline of 16.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports linseed oil-cake from Asia

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Asia's exports of linseed oil-cake declined. In 2020, shipments totaled 32 880 tons, showing little change from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 54.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.6%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 33 015 tons, and the largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018 at 42.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Italy, and Belgium were the top destinations for Asia's linseed oil-cake exports by volume. Russia accounted for 33.8% of exports, Italy for 26.0%, and Belgium for 17.4%. Together, these three countries made up 77.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Asia's linseed oil-cake exports were valued at 8 914 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong increase of 19.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 80.6%, with an average annual rate of 21.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 5.6%, while the biggest jump occurred in 2018 with a 60.5% increase.

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

During 2017-2020, Italy, Russia, and Belgium were the key partners for Asia's linseed oil-cake exports by value. Italy represented 30.3% of export value, Russia 27.0%, and Belgium 15.5%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 72.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports linseed oil-cake to Asia

Imports in kind, t

The import market showed volatility during the observed period. In 2020, Asia imported 1 079 tons of linseed oil-cake, a sharp increase of 461.0% from 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 192 tons, with the largest decline that year at 56.6%. From 2019 to 2020, imports swung dramatically, with a 5.6-fold difference between the peak and trough.

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

The import structure by volume from 2017 to 2020 was fragmented, with no single country dominating. Belgium accounted for 24.0% of imports, Canada for 16.4%, and Russia for 2.7%. Together, these three countries represented just 43.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market exhibited volatility during these years. In 2020, Asia's imports of linseed oil-cake were valued at 693 thousand US dollars, surging by 439.4% from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 128 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 41.3%. Imports peaked in 2020 and bottomed in 2019, showing a 5.4-fold difference between these years.

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

The import structure by value from 2017 to 2020 remained fragmented, with no dominant partner. Canada accounted for 26.0% of import value, Belgium for 17.6%, and Germany for 2.4%. Together, these three countries made up only 46.0% of total import flows.

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

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