Rapeseed market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the rapeseed market volume in Eastern Asia showed a fluctuating trend, ultimately reaching 23 829 thousand tons in 2023 after a significant surge. The market initially contracted in 2019 to 18 585 thousand tons, primarily due to a sharp drop in imports, which fell by nearly 2 000 thousand tons. This import decline coincided with notable volatility in international vegetable oil prices, affecting the cost-effectiveness of bringing in foreign rapeseed. Domestic production, however, grew steadily throughout the period, providing a stable base for the market.

Market growth resumed from 2020, supported by government policies such as machinery subsidies and technical promotion, which boosted local cultivation. The most dramatic expansion occurred in 2023, when the market volume jumped by over 4 200 thousand tons. This leap was driven by two simultaneous forces: a major increase in imports, predominantly from Canada, and record-high domestic output from expanded planting areas. Internal industry support programs, like the 'Tianfu Rapeseed Oil' initiative in Sichuan, also contributed to enhancing production scale and branding.

Throughout the period, the market's structure evolved with increasing technological integration and policy focus on high-yield varieties. While international price movements continued to influence trade flows, the consistent state backing for the rapeseed industry helped solidify the supply base. The anti-dumping investigation launched against Canadian imports in 2024 marked a new development likely to shape future trade patterns.

Production rapeseed in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of rapeseed, 2017-2020

World map of production of rapeseed, 2017-2020

Eastern Asia's rapeseed production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 14 076 K t of rapeseed, marking a moderate 4.1% rise compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.9%.

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

Exports rapeseed from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Foreign rapeseed supplies from Eastern Asia have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, Eastern Asia exported 39 K t of rapeseed, representing a substantial 71.2% increase year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 219.9%, averaging an annual growth rate of 47.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary buyers of rapeseed from Eastern Asia were Israel and Indonesia. Together, they accounted for 2.8% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Eastern Asia exported 20 M $ US of rapeseed, showing a sharp 32.1% decline compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 30 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 73.0% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Pakistan and Indonesia consistently represented the largest portion of rapeseed exports from Eastern Asia in value terms, making up 1.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports rapeseed to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, foreign rapeseed supplies to Eastern Asia have increased. In 2020, imports totaled 5 362 K t, reflecting a limited 5.5% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 25%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -9.2%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 084 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 28.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada dominated the import structure in volume, accounting for 90.9% of total rapeseed flows into Eastern Asia.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Eastern Asia imported approximately 2 330 M $ US of rapeseed, indicating a modest 3.2% year-over-year improvement. However, over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 29.8%, with a CAGR of -11.1%. The minimum value was 2 259 M $ US in 2019, while the maximum was 3 354 M $ US in 2018. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 32.6% decline.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada served as the primary source for rapeseed imports into Eastern Asia, consistently representing 91.2% of total imports in value terms.

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

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