Rapeseed market in Switzerland

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, Swiss rapeseed production fell from 77 478 t to 67 843 t, while market volume dropped from 82 373 t to 74 829 t. This decline coincided with negotiations over free trade agreements with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Mercosur, which threatened domestic cultivation by easing imports of competing edible oils like palm oil.

Production rebounded to 88 083 t in 2020, lifting market volume to 95 645 t. After a dip in 2021, output surged again to 92 059 t in 2022. This sharp increase was driven by soaring international oil prices due to the war in Ukraine and a global shortage of edible oils, which raised profitability for Swiss rapeseed growers.

The market retreated in 2023, with production down to 82 291 t and market volume at 84 185 t. Producer prices fell by up to 25% from the 2022 peak, reducing incentives. At the same time, planted area for rapeseed contracted as financial support from the national oilseed production pool encouraged a shift toward sunflowers and soybeans.

Production rapeseed in Switzerland

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of rapeseed, 2017-2020

World map of production of rapeseed, 2017-2020

Switzerland's rapeseed production rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, the country produced 88 083 tonnes of rapeseed, marking a significant 29.8% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 13.5%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 4.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 67 843 tonnes, when the largest decline of 12.4% occurred.

Annual dynamics of production in Switzerland in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports rapeseed from Switzerland

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 5 tonnes, then surged to their highest level in 2020 at 21 tonnes, representing a dramatic 4.1-fold increase. This 2020 figure reflects a sharp year-on-year growth of 313.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 53.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and France dominated Switzerland's rapeseed exports in volume terms, together accounting for 98.9% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export values varied significantly, with the lowest point in 2019 at 19 thousand US dollars and the highest in 2017, creating a 6.5-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, Switzerland exported 39 thousand US dollars worth of rapeseed, representing a substantial 103.9% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 83.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany and France were the primary buyers of Swiss rapeseed in value terms, together representing 99.5% of total exports.

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

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

Imports rapeseed to Switzerland

Imports in kind, t

Switzerland's rapeseed import volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 7 583 tonnes, showing a modest 8.5% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 2.3%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 0.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 4 906 tonnes, when the largest decline of 33.8% occurred. The most significant increase happened in 2019 at 42.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and France were the dominant suppliers of rapeseed to Switzerland in volume terms, together accounting for 84.5% of total imports, while other partners played a less significant role.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Switzerland's rapeseed import value rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 5 855 thousand US dollars, indicating a 30.0% year-on-year advance. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 36.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 805 thousand US dollars, when the largest decline of 11.4% took place.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Germany and France remained the key partner countries for Switzerland's rapeseed imports in value terms, with a combined share of 87.4% of total flows; other partners accounted for the remainder.

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

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