Rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The rapeseed, colza, and mustard oil market in Western Europe began the period with stable production and consumption, supported by its position as the most popular cooking oil in Germany with a 41% market share. Demand was further driven by its use as a feedstock for biodiesel, remaining the primary raw material for biodiesel in the EU. French authorities adopted a multi-year plan (2018-2022) to strengthen the oilseeds sector, focusing on sustainability and competitiveness. Despite these supportive conditions, the total market volume contracted to 4.4 million tons in 2020, down from 4.7 million tons in 2018, as increased exports offset steady domestic production.

Market volume rebounded in 2021, reaching 4.6 million tons, aided by higher rapeseed harvests in Germany which raised self-sufficiency levels. The geopolitical crisis following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 introduced significant price volatility and supply chain pressures, temporarily stabilizing the market volume. However, substantial investments in French oilseed processing capacity, aimed at expanding crush facilities for rapeseed and sunflower, laid groundwork for future growth. By 2023, the market surged to 5.3 million tons, propelled by strong global production, particularly within the EU, and sustained consumer demand for healthy, versatile, and regionally-sourced cooking oils.

Entering 2024, the European rapeseed harvest is projected to be lower, increasing reliance on imports from Canada and other sources. Price volatility persists, influenced by ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, energy costs, and weather conditions. The industry continues to invest in new processing plants, especially for organic oils, while consumer preference for rapeseed oil remains strong due to its health benefits. New EU regulations on the classification, labeling, and packaging of chemical substances may also introduce fresh requirements for vegetable oils.

Production rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions in Western 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

Western Europe's production of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions rebounded after two years of decline. In 2020, output reached 4 975 K t, marking a 3.6% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 5.5%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 4 802 K t, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with an 8.1% decrease.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, the value of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions production in Western Europe saw a downturn. In 2020, production was valued at 14 104 M $ US, reflecting a moderate 6.1% year-over-year decline. The peak value was achieved in 2019 at 15 019 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 3.9% during this period.

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

Exports rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Western Europe's exports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions totaled 1 804 K t, representing a significant 39.3% surge compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 53.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.3%. The most notable decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 7.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Western Europe's exports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions were distributed across a wide range of partners. Key destinations included Poland (6.1% of exports in kind), the United Kingdom (3.4%), and Norway (3.4%), but together these three countries accounted for only 12.9% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Western Europe's export value of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions continued to rise for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 265 M $ US, showing a sharp 36.8% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 15.9%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 5.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 592 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 18.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Western Europe traded rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions with numerous countries. Even the top destinations—Poland, the United Kingdom, and Sweden—collectively represented just 12.8% of total export value, highlighting a highly diversified market.

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

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

Imports rapeseed, colza or mustard oil and fractions to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Western Europe's imports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions reached 1 199 K t, a 4.2% increase over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import volumes rose by 18.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.9%. The highest import level was in 2018 at 1 258 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 24.6%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with an 8.5% decline.

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

During 2017-2020, imports of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions into Western Europe were spread across many partner countries. The leading suppliers—Czechia (8.2% of imports in kind), the United Kingdom (6.8%), and Poland (1.7%)—together accounted for only 16.8% of total import volumes, indicating a broad and varied sourcing network.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Western Europe's import value of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 1 840 M $ US, reflecting a 22.2% gain from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 34.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main suppliers of rapeseed, colza, or mustard oil and fractions to Western Europe were Czechia (8.0% of imports in value terms), the United Kingdom (7.1%), and Poland (1.7%). However, their combined share was limited to 16.8% of total import value, underscoring a diversified supplier base.

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

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