Rapeseed market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The rapeseed market volume in the MENA region experienced considerable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023, peaking at 1.7 million tons in 2020. This surge was supported by imports reaching nearly 1.4 million tons that year, before market size contracted to 1.3 million tons by 2023.

Domestic production trended downward from 453 thousand tons in 2018 to 246 thousand tons in 2022, then recovered to 321 thousand tons in 2023. The decline in local output increased the region's dependence on imports to satisfy consumption, particularly during periods of high demand.

By 2024, rapeseed imports into MENA amounted to 1 055 thousand tons. During this period, the market was influenced by evolving consumer dietary habits favoring healthier edible oils and a regional emphasis on sustainability and food security, which spurred sectoral innovation.

Production rapeseed in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of rapeseed, 2017-2020

World map of production of rapeseed, 2017-2020

Rapeseed production in the MENA region has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 325.7 thousand tons, marking a significant year-on-year decrease of 14.2%. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 14.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 5.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 453.4 thousand tons, with an 18.9% increase that year. The largest drop occurred in 2019, when production fell by 16.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of rapeseed production in the MENA region has also declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 177.1 million US dollars, showing a modest contraction of 9.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 26%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.5%. The peak value was reached in 2018 at 257.0 million US dollars, which saw a 7.5% increase. The most substantial decline happened in 2019, with a 23.7% drop.

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

Exports rapeseed from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. The lowest rapeseed export volume from MENA was recorded in 2017, while the highest was reached in 2020, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 36 times. In 2020, exports amounted to 21 thousand tons, representing a dramatic increase of 482.9% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 9.6%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 584.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export partner base for rapeseed in kind was extremely narrow, with Nepal accounting for 96.4% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest export value was in 2017, and the highest in 2020, with volumes varying by a factor of 31. In 2020, rapeseed exports from MENA totaled 11.3 million US dollars, showing a sharp increase of 513.6% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 17.6%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018 at 518.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Nepal was the top buyer of rapeseed from MENA in value terms, holding a 73.3% share.

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

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

Imports rapeseed to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

Rapeseed import volumes into the MENA region have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 1 290 thousand tons, equivalent to a sharp year-on-year rise of 53.9%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 38.6%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 11.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 851 thousand tons, with a 15.3% decline that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada was the main supplier of rapeseed to MENA in kind, accounting for 76.0% of total imports, while other partners held relatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, MENA's rapeseed import volume increased in 2020. Imports reached 611.6 million US dollars, up by 54.4% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 25.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 396.1 million US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2018 at 14.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Canada clearly dominated rapeseed imports to MENA in value terms, taking 73.6% of total flows, while other countries each held significantly smaller shares.

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

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