Rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions market in Hungary

Earlier Report Observations

The Hungarian rapeseed oil market contracted sharply from 117 thousand tons in 2018 to 48 thousand tons in 2020. This decline was partly driven by strong global demand for Canadian rapeseed oil in 2019, which raised export volumes from Hungary and reduced domestic availability. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further disrupted supply chains and dampened consumption, particularly in the biofuel segment where rapeseed oil is a key feedstock.

A turnaround began in 2021 when special Hungarian rules permitted the substitution of sunflower oil with rapeseed oil in certain food products, boosting domestic demand and lifting the market to 70 thousand tons. Growth continued through 2023, reaching 109 thousand tons, supported by shifting consumer preferences toward healthier oils rich in omega-3 fatty acids and by global biofuel policies that increased its use in biodiesel. Geopolitical tensions in 2023, which raised crude oil prices, also enhanced the competitiveness of rapeseed oil as a biofuel feedstock.

In the following years, market dynamics continued to be shaped by external factors. Sanctions on Russian oil and market realignments in 2024 affected fuel prices and the biofuel sector’s cost structure. Meanwhile, the strategic activities of major player MOL, including its oil production programs, influenced the domestic oil market and the demand for rapeseed oil as a biofuel raw material into 2025.

Production rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions in Hungary

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Hungary ranked 25th globally in the production of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions.

Top producers of rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions, 2018-2021

World map of production of rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions, 2018-2021

Hungary's production of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions has increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 108 K t, marking a 23.2% year-over-year rise. From 2018 to 2021, production grew by 27.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 8.5%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 82 K t, with the largest decline that year at 3.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions from Hungary

Exports in kind, K t

Hungary's exports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country exported 107.4 K t, up 25.4% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports surged by 288%, with a compound annual growth rate of 57.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Poland, and Germany consistently led Hungary's export structure in kind. The Netherlands accounted for 36.0% of exports, Poland for 15.1%, and Germany for 13.1%, together making up 64.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Hungary's exports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions in value terms have increased for the third year running. In 2021, exports totaled 130.6 M $ US, a sharp 68.3% jump from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 409.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 72.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland emerged as the top markets for Hungary's exports in value terms. The Netherlands held 36.2% of exports, Germany 13.8%, and Poland 13.7%, collectively representing 63.7% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Hungary in value, 2018-2021

Imports rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions to Hungary

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, Hungary's imports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions rebounded in 2021. Imports reached 69.5 K t, a steep 50.6% increase from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports rose by 15.6%, with an annualized growth rate of 5.0%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 46.2 K t, while the largest drop occurred in 2019 at 19.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, Czechia, Austria, and Romania were the largest suppliers of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions to Hungary in kind. Czechia contributed 50.4% of imports, Austria 21.9%, and Romania 13.4%, together accounting for 85.8% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Imports in value terms reached their lowest point in 2019 at 42.3 M $ US, with the largest decline that year at 17.0%, before climbing to a peak in 2021 at 94.5 M $ US, a 118.8% year-over-year increase. This represents a 2.2-fold shift from the minimum to the maximum.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, Czechia, Austria, and Romania remained the key sources for Hungary's imports in value terms. Czechia accounted for 45.5% of imports, Austria for 24.6%, and Romania for 12.9%, together making up 83.0% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Hungary in value, 2018-2021