Rapeseed market in Belarus

Earlier Report Observations

The rapeseed market in Belarus expanded from 718 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 927.7 thousand tonnes in 2020. This growth was primarily driven by increased sowing areas for both winter and spring rapeseed, supported by the expansion of domestic processing capacity which ensured stable demand and liquidity. Higher prices for rapeseed and its processed products further incentivized cultivation, leading to a steady rise in production.

Market volume continued to increase, reaching 983.3 thousand tonnes in 2021 and 1 027.6 thousand tonnes in 2022. A significant surge in imports from Russia occurred in 2021, linked to export restrictions on Russian rapeseed to third countries, which redirected supplies to Belarus. Subsequently, domestic production recovered and grew due to record sowing areas exceeding 400 thousand hectares, even as droughts in some regions partially affected yields. Global factors, including supply shortages in major producing countries, bolstered demand and supported market growth.

In 2023, the market reached 1 117.4 thousand tonnes. This was sustained by robust demand for rapeseed oil and biodiesel, alongside record processing volumes and growing exports to the EU. The adoption of high-yield hybrid varieties and improved agronomic practices contributed to enhanced production efficiency and output.

Production rapeseed in Belarus

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Belarus ranked as the 17th largest rapeseed producer in the world.

Top producers of rapeseed, 2017-2020

World map of production of rapeseed, 2017-2020

Belarus's rapeseed production grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 732.7 thousand tons of rapeseed, marking a significant increase of 26.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 21.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 456.3 thousand tons, with the largest decline of 24.3% occurring that same year. In contrast, the largest increase of 26.7% was observed in 2019.

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

Exports rapeseed from Belarus

Exports in kind, K t

Rapeseed exports from Belarus increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volumes reached 2.2 thousand tons, representing a 16.0% year-over-year growth. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 1,863.2%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 169.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export partner base for rapeseed in kind was highly concentrated, with Russia alone accounting for 99.1% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Export values reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 9.3-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, Belarus exported rapeseed worth 0.9 million US dollars, which was 9.0% higher than the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 0.1 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 44.5% occurring that year. Conversely, the largest increase of 756.7% was recorded in 2019.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Russia dominated the export structure in value terms, representing 89.4% of total flows, while other destinations remained relatively minor.

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

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

Imports rapeseed to Belarus

Imports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend over this period. Import volumes dropped to their minimum in 2017 and climbed to their maximum in 2018, resulting in a 29-fold shift. In 2020, Belarus imported 197.1 thousand tons of rapeseed, down by 19.7% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 261.8 thousand tons, with the largest increase of 2,807.1% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia effectively concentrated rapeseed imports in kind to Belarus, holding a 99.6% share of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Import levels fluctuated 14.9 times between the low of 2017 and the high of 2018. In 2020, foreign rapeseed supplies to Belarus amounted to 83.1 million US dollars, a decrease of 15.8% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 101.0 million US dollars, with the largest increase of 1,387.8% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia effectively monopolized rapeseed imports in value terms to Belarus, accounting for 93.0% of total flows.

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

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