Refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Czech refined sunflower oil market was shaped by major producers like Fabio PRODUKT and ČESKÝ OLEJ, alongside state-owned enterprises providing supply stability. Consumer preferences steadily shifted towards quality and bio oils, leading to the emergence of new segments such as cold-pressed oils by 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 increased demand for staple foods, including sunflower oil, causing temporary distribution and supply fluctuations.

A sharp turn occurred in 2022 with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a key sunflower oil supplier. Fears of shortage and steep price rises prompted Czech importers to seek alternative sources, driving market volume up by 26% to 114.7 thousand tonnes. State-owned entities continued operations without major changes. In 2023, persistent geopolitical tensions and a global dip in sunflower oil production led to a 9.4% market contraction to 103.9 thousand tonnes, while new legislative requirements on chemical waste management began affecting industrial processing.

By 2024, the market recovered to 112.9 thousand tonnes, supported by the implementation of new EU rules on the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals, alongside sustained demand for premium oils. The State Agricultural and Food Inspection Authority tightened controls on bio product labelling, and manufacturers expanded their range of cold-pressed oils.

Production refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Czechia

According to Faostat, there is no production of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Czechia.

Exports refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Czechia

Exports in kind, t

Exports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Czechia have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 50 763 tonnes, marking a 35.1% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 207.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 45.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria were the primary markets for Czech exports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in terms of volume. Poland accounted for 37.7% of exports, Slovakia for 13.7%, and Austria for 12.6%. Together, these three countries represented 64.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions exports from Czechia has risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 56 176 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant 62.0% year-over-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, export value grew by 247%, averaging an annual rate of 51.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, Slovakia, and Austria formed the core of Czech exports in value terms. Poland held a 38.9% share, Slovakia 14.0%, and Austria 12.3%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 65.2% of total export value.

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

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

Imports refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Czechia

Imports in kind, t

Imports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions into Czechia have increased for the second straight year. In 2020, imports totaled 44 783 tonnes, up 5.2% from the prior year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 30.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 33 783 tonnes, which saw a decline of 1.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase at 26.0%.

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

During 2017–2020, Hungary, Ukraine, and Austria were consistently the top suppliers of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Czechia in volume terms. Hungary dominated with 65.1% of imports, followed by Ukraine at 13.7% and Austria at 8.0%. Together, these three countries made up 86.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions imports into Czechia has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 43 975 thousand US dollars, a 7.0% increase year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 29.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.9%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 33 010 thousand US dollars, which declined by 3.0%. The largest rise occurred in 2019, with a 24.5% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Ukraine, and Austria continued to lead as the main suppliers of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Czechia in value terms. Hungary accounted for 63.0% of imports, Ukraine for 12.9%, and Austria for 7.8%. Combined, these three countries represented 83.8% of total import value.

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

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