Rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for rapeseed, colza, and mustard oil in South Africa contracted from 51 460 tonnes to 39 485 tonnes, driven by declines in both domestic production and imports.

The market rebounded strongly from 2021 onward, with volume reaching 70 266 tonnes in 2023. This expansion was primarily fueled by a surge in local production, which more than doubled from 37 000 tonnes in 2020 to 73 000 tonnes in 2023. A severe global drought in 2021 tightened rapeseed oil supplies worldwide and pushed canola oil prices up by over 80%, creating incentives for increased domestic cultivation. The following year, trade disruptions and the war in Ukraine further escalated global vegetable oil prices, encouraging South African producers to ramp up output and capture export opportunities.

By 2024, the planted area for canola in South Africa had expanded to 145 000 hectares, reflecting a sustained commitment to local oilseed production. For 2025, agricultural sector trends include shifting weather patterns and evolving technology that affect canola production, while global oil price movements and supply chain dynamics influence the sector.

Production rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, t

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

After two consecutive years of decline, South Africa's production of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions rebounded. In 2021, the country produced 52 200 tonnes, marking a significant 41.1% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, overall production grew by 24.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 37 000 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 7.0% during this timeframe.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions from South Africa

Exports in kind, t

Following a two-year decrease, South Africa's exports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions showed an uptick. In 2021, exports reached 503 tonnes, representing a 32.1% rise compared to the prior year. Over the 2018-2021 period, however, exports overall declined by 20.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.4%. The lowest export volume was in 2020 at 381 tonnes, while the most substantial drop occurred in 2019 with a 25.5% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Kenya, Eswatini, and Sri Lanka were the primary destinations for South Africa's exports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions in volume terms. Kenya accounted for 27.1% of exports, Eswatini for 20.4%, and Sri Lanka for 17.8%. Together, these three partners made up 65.2% of total export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. In 2021, South Africa's exports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions reached their peak at 1 023 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 78.3% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 574 thousand US dollars, creating a 1.8-fold difference between these two years. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 23.8% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Kenya, Eswatini, and Sri Lanka were the top buyers of South Africa's rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions in value terms. Kenya represented 22.3% of export value, Eswatini 22.0%, and Sri Lanka 19.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 63.8% of total export value during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions to South Africa

Imports in kind, t

After two years of decline, South Africa's imports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions increased. In 2021, imports totaled 3 168 tonnes, up 10.6% from the previous year. However, over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 68.9%, equating to an average annual decline of 32.3%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 2 866 tonnes, which also saw the most significant drop of 56.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands was the dominant source for South Africa's imports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions in volume terms, accounting for 77.2% of total imports. The remaining volume was distributed among other trading partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Following a two-year downturn, South Africa's imports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions from abroad rose. In 2021, imports amounted to 3 742 thousand US dollars, a 41.6% increase from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, however, imports decreased by 61.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -27.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 2 643 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 53.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018-2021, the Netherlands was the leading supplier of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions to South Africa in value terms, holding 75.2% of total import value. Other partners had relatively smaller shares during this period.

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

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