Rapeseed oilcake market in the United Kingdom

Earlier Report Observations

The UK rapeseed oilcake market grew from 934 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 1 215 thousand tonnes in 2023, with rising imports offsetting a decline in domestic production. This expansion occurred despite a contraction in local output, which fell from 1.1 million tonnes to 972 thousand tonnes over the same period.

Variable weather and increased pest control costs under England's Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme reduced the profitability of rapeseed planting, leading to a smaller cultivation area and lower production. Global supply chain disruptions and commodity price fluctuations after 2020 further influenced trade, making imports a larger component of supply to meet consistent demand for animal feed and plant-based protein sources.

Technological improvements in oil extraction methods altered the composition of rapeseed cake, while EU regulations on labeling and import duties shaped market conditions. Growing consumer interest in sustainable feed ingredients supported the use of rapeseed oilcake, reinforcing its market position amidst these structural shifts.

Production rapeseed oilcake in the United Kingdom

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the United Kingdom ranked 8th globally in rapeseed oilcake production volume.

Top producers of rapeseed oilcake, 2018-2021

World map of production of rapeseed oilcake, 2018-2021

After two years of decline, rapeseed oilcake production in the United Kingdom rebounded in 2021. That year, production reached 1 003 K t, marking a sharp increase of 28.3% compared to 2020. However, over the entire 2018-2021 period, production decreased by 8.8%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 3.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 782 K t, which also saw the largest annual drop of 23.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports rapeseed oilcake from the United Kingdom

Exports in kind, K t

Rapeseed oilcake exports from the United Kingdom declined for the third consecutive year in 2021. Exports stood at 76.1 K t, down by 30.5% from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 77.4%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 39.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, the Netherlands, Spain, and France were the largest buyers of rapeseed oilcake from the United Kingdom. The Netherlands accounted for 27.2% of exports in kind, Spain for 21.6%, and France for 21.1%. Together, these three countries represented 69.9% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of rapeseed oilcake exports from the United Kingdom fell for the third year in a row in 2021. Exports totaled 26.3 M $ US, showing a moderate decrease of 8.3% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, export value declined by 70.4%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of 33.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, Spain, and France consistently remained the top destinations for rapeseed oilcake exports in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 25.5% of export value, Spain for 20.9%, and France for 20.6%. Combined, these three markets made up 67.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021

Imports rapeseed oilcake to the United Kingdom

Imports in kind, K t

The rapeseed oilcake import market experienced noticeable fluctuations between 2018 and 2021. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports totaled 257.9 K t, reflecting a sharp decline of 43.5% compared to 2020. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 456.2 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 103.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Throughout the 2018-2021 period, Belgium, Germany, and France were the three largest sources of rapeseed oilcake imports in kind for the United Kingdom. Together, these markets accounted for 68.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of rapeseed oilcake imports showed significant volatility from 2018 to 2021. Import value hit its lowest level in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.3-fold difference between these years. In 2021, imports amounted to 84.6 M $ US, down by 28.8% from 2020. The highest import value was recorded in 2020 at 118.7 M $ US, which also experienced the largest annual increase of 103.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, Belgium, Germany, and France contributed the most to rapeseed oilcake imports in value terms. Belgium accounted for 25.3% of import value, Germany for 20.2%, and France for 19.6%. Collectively, these three countries represented 65.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021