Rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions market in Europe

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the European rapeseed oil market was shaped by the growing demand for biodiesel, supported by discussions on mandatory blending mandates in diesel fuel. In 2019, drought and pests reduced EU rapeseed production, leading to increased imports to maintain supply. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, demand for rapeseed oil remained robust, and production expanded as farmers in the Netherlands and other EU countries increased planting areas and adopted improved winter varieties.

The period from 2021 to 2022 saw further acceleration due to EU renewable energy policies (RED II) boosting biodiesel demand. The war in Ukraine disrupted sunflower oil exports, sharply increasing demand for rapeseed oil as a substitute and driving prices to record levels. In response, EU rapeseed cultivation area grew by about 18%, and major processors like France's Avril Group expanded production capacity by 30%. Although high input costs weighed on margins, exports to third countries such as China and Norway remained strong.

In 2023, EU rapeseed oil production reached 12.1 million tons, supported by the enlarged planting area and continued policy backing for biodiesel. Despite a slight dip in Polish output, overall EU production hit a five-year high. Prices stabilized amid ample supply, while imports from Australia and Ukraine helped meet demand. Consumer interest in healthy vegetable oils also underpinned consumption, with the market size growing to 9.4 million tons.

Production rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions in Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

In 2020, Europe produced 8 887 K t of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions, marking a 1.1% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 0.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 1.0%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 2.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions in Europe was valued at 10 835 M $ US, reflecting a decrease of 16.3% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production declined by 24.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -8.9%. The largest decline was observed in 2018 at 23.7%, whereas the largest increase occurred in 2019 with an 18.3% rise.

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

Exports rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions from Europe

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, cross-border shipments of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions from Europe totaled 3 406 K t, representing a 48.7% increase year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 74.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 20.3%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, with a decrease of 9.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Norway, China, and Israel formed the core group of markets for exports in kind. Norway accounted for 9.7% of exports, China for 7.1%, and Israel for 1.2%, collectively representing 18.1% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions from Europe increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export volume reached 4 153 M $ US, corresponding to a solid rise of 23.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 28.7%, with a CAGR of 8.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 113 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 3.6%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Norway, China, and Israel played leading roles in exports in value terms. Norway contributed 9.1% of exports, China 6.5%, and Israel 1.4%, jointly accounting for 17.0% of total flows of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions from Europe.

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

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

Imports rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions to Europe

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year increase, imports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions into Europe declined. In 2020, imports reached 2 327 K t, which is 1.6% less than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 16.3%, with a CAGR of 5.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 2 364 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 15.2% growth.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Canada played a central role in imports in kind, accounting for 0.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Deliveries of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions into Europe increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 3 494 M $ US, up by 18.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 22.3%, with a CAGR of 6.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 829 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 1.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada was the principal market for rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions to Europe, absorbing 0.6% of total imports in value terms.

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

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