Rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions market in China

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for rapeseed, colza, and mustard oil in China experienced notable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After reaching 4 924 thousand tons in 2018, the volume dipped to 4 674 thousand tons in 2019, largely due to a contraction in domestic production. A recovery began in 2020, driven by rising import volumes which reached 1 931 thousand tons that year, reflecting the market's high import dependence. This trend accelerated in 2021, with imports climbing to 2 153 thousand tons, significantly expanding the total market size to 5 478 thousand tons. However, in 2022, the market volume fell to 4 680 thousand tons as import volumes were cut by more than half, dropping to 1 061 thousand tons, which outweighed a domestic production increase. The market then surged to a record 6 679 thousand tons in 2023, fueled by a sharp rebound in imports to 2 359 thousand tons and a concurrent expansion of domestic processing capacity for imported oilseeds.

International trade dynamics, particularly with Canada, played a critical role in shaping supply. Throughout 2020 and 2021, rising import dependence on Canadian oil was a key market feature. This pattern shifted in 2023 due to trade tensions, leading to a significant reduction in Canadian rapeseed oil imports and a corresponding increase in shipments from alternative sources like Russia and Ukraine, which helped sustain overall import volumes. The trade environment faced further uncertainty in 2024 when Chinese authorities initiated an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian rapeseed imports, influencing supply conditions.

Domestic regulatory and consumer trends also influenced the market. The formal implementation of the updated national standard for rapeseed oil in 2022 aimed to standardize product categories and labeling, promoting industry规范. Furthermore, from 2023, growing consumer health awareness boosted demand for premium and domestically produced small-press rapeseed oils, creating a new growth segment within the market.

Production rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China held the second position globally in the production of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions.

Top producers of rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions, 2017-2020

China's production of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 2,970 K t, which was 3.2% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 17.2%, averaging an annual decrease of 6.1%. The highest output was recorded in 2018 at 3,643 K t. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 15.7% decline, while the largest increase was seen in 2018 at 1.5%.

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

Exports rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions from China

Exports in kind, K t

China's exports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 3 K t, marking a sharp year-over-year decline of 73.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports dropped by 86.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -48.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong was the primary market for China's rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions, accounting for 83.6% of total exports in volume. Other destinations played a much smaller role.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

China's export value of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions fell for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 4 M US dollars, representing a sharp 63.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value declined by 80.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -42.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Hong Kong remained the key destination for China's rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions in value terms, making up 83.8% of total exports. Other markets were far less significant.

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

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

Imports rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions to China

Imports in kind, K t

China's imports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 1,931 K t, showing a solid 19.5% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 155%, averaging an annual increase of 36.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for China's imports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions in volume were Canada (67.8%), the United Arab Emirates (10.2%), and Russia (8.4%). Together, these three countries accounted for 86.4% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

China's import value of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 1,641 M US dollars, indicating a substantial 23.7% increase over the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value surged by 160.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 37.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada (66.5%), the United Arab Emirates (10.0%), and Russia (8.7%) dominated China's import structure in value terms for rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions. Collectively, they represented 85.3% of total import flows.

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

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