Linseed oil-cake market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

The market for linseed oil-cake in Latin America and the Caribbean expanded from nearly 11 000 tons in 2018 to over 14 000 tons in 2023. This growth was initially supported by advances in solid waste management and circular economy policies, which improved raw material availability and production efficiency. The adoption of more efficient extraction technologies, such as cold pressing and supercritical CO2 extraction, from 2021 onward directly boosted production volumes and product quality.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted supply chains but also accelerated environmental awareness, leading to increased demand for sustainable oilseed by-products. In 2022, the market experienced a temporary contraction as new environmental regulations and reverse logistics rules for used oils were implemented, requiring industry adaptation. However, innovations in extraction technology that raised efficiency by 10% helped drive a recovery in 2023, with production reaching nearly 13 900 tons.

Throughout the period, companies like Lwart Soluções Ambientais emerged as key players in used oil collection and refining, supporting the sector's sustainability. Consumer preference for organic and clean-label products, along with the launch of sustainable packaging, further stimulated market growth, particularly in food and cosmetic applications.

Production linseed oil-cake in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of linseed oil-cake, 2017-2020

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

Latin America and the Caribbean saw linseed oil-cake production increase for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 11 883 tonnes, marking a modest year-over-year rise of 7.6%. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually fell by 9.8%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 10 918 tonnes, when output dropped by 17.1%—the steepest decrease during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports linseed oil-cake from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed significant volatility during these years. Exports varied dramatically, with a 30 988-fold difference between the peak in 2017 and the low in 2018. In 2020, cross-border shipments of linseed oil-cake from Latin America and the Caribbean amounted to just 0.3 tonnes, representing a sharp 100.0% decline from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Italy dominated exports of linseed oil-cake from Latin America and the Caribbean, accounting for 99.9% of total shipments in volume terms.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Export values reached their highest point in 2017 and fell to their lowest in 2018, with an 8 169-fold swing between these years. In 2020, linseed oil-cake exports from Latin America and the Caribbean totaled 0.2 thousand US dollars, showing a sharp 100.0% drop compared to 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, Italy was the nearly exclusive buyer of linseed oil-cake from Latin America and the Caribbean, holding a 99.8% share of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports linseed oil-cake to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 7.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, linseed oil-cake shipments into Latin America and the Caribbean from abroad totaled 144 tonnes, up by 554.0% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when imports fell by 62.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and Canada consistently made up 90.9% of total imports in volume, indicating a highly concentrated market with a long tail of smaller participants.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market trend was unstable throughout the timeframe. Import values were at their lowest in 2017 and reached their peak in 2020, with a 7.8-fold gap. In 2020, cross-border shipments of linseed oil-cake into Latin America and the Caribbean were recorded at 108.3 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 335.6% increase compared to 2019. The steepest decline was in 2019, when imports dropped by 48.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, the import structure in value terms was largely shaped by the Netherlands and Canada, which together accounted for 82.3% of total flows, while other markets formed a long tail.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020