Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in China grew to 3 231 thousand tonnes in 2019, supported by the launch of a national oilseed capacity enhancement project that aimed to increase domestic production of soybeans, rapeseed, and peanuts. This initiative sought to reduce import reliance and was a direct driver of higher market size. However, in 2020, volume fell to 3 067 thousand tonnes as overcapacity in the oil processing industry led to consolidation and stronger policy controls, which dampened demand for oilseed raw materials and contributed to the decline.

From 2021 to 2023, market volume stabilized between 3 103 and 3 129 thousand tonnes. This steadiness reflected continued government efforts under the oilseed capacity project, which expanded planting areas and promoted techniques like soybean-corn intercropping to boost yields. The adoption of the 'Big Food' concept, emphasizing a diversified food supply system, further supported stable domestic production, helping to maintain overall market size despite fluctuations in trade.

Production oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, 2017-2020

In Asia, production of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits reached 3 108 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a 3.8% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 2.8%, with an average annual decline of 0.9%. The peak was in 2019 at 3 230 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 2.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Asia's production of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 9 187 million US dollars, down 3.5% from a year earlier. Over the 2017-2020 period, production dropped by 30.1%, translating to an average annual decrease of 11.2%.

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

Exports oil seeds and oleaginous fruits from Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019 at 80 934 tonnes, showing a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports from Asia stood at 69 122 tonnes, a 14.6% drop from the previous year. The largest annual increase occurred in 2018, with a surge of 82.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits from Asia were relatively evenly distributed. The top three destinations—Asia, not elsewhere specified (7.0% of exports in kind), Spain (6.2%), and the Netherlands (4.6%)—collectively accounted for just 17.9% of total 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, M $ US

Exports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits from Asia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 204.3 million US dollars, a sharp drop of 14.3% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports overall increased by 13.6%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 4.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 246.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 37.0%.

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

An analysis of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 reveals a broad distribution across many markets. The top three—Asia, not elsewhere specified (11.0% of exports in value terms), the Netherlands (5.2%), and Egypt (3.5%)—together accounted for only 19.8% of total flows, with the remaining 80.2% spread among other partners.

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

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

Imports oil seeds and oleaginous fruits to Asia

Imports in kind, t

After rising for two years, imports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits into Asia declined. In 2020, imports stood at 28 752 tonnes, a significant reduction of 64.9% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 47.7%, with an average annual decline of 19.4%. The peak was in 2019 at 81 999 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 31.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in kind were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. The top three—Italy (5.1% of imports in kind), the United States (4.6%), and Russia (2.3%)—jointly accounted for just 12.0% of total 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, M $ US

Imports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits into Asia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Asia imported 136.5 million US dollars worth of these goods, indicating a slight fall of 1.0% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 21.9%, with an average annual decline of 7.9%.

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

The partner structure for imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 remained fragmented. The top three—the United States (6.1% of imports in value terms), Egypt (4.2%), and Mexico (3.3%)—together accounted for only 13.5% of total flows, with no single country holding a dominant share.

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

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