Refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in Italy

Earlier Report Observations

The Italian market for refined sunflower or safflower oil experienced steady growth in volume from 592 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 749 thousand tons in 2021. This upward trajectory was supported by rising domestic production, which increased from 514.6 thousand tons to 724 thousand tons over the same period.

Market volume contracted to 665.7 thousand tons in 2022 following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which blocked imports from Ukraine—a source of 46% of Italy's sunflower oil imports—disrupting supply. The Italian Ministry of Economic Development responded with temporary labeling exemptions, allowing generic 'vegetable oils' on products to facilitate substitution. With the emergency period declared over in May 2023, the market saw a modest recovery to 680.7 thousand tons as standard labeling rules resumed.

A dramatic expansion occurred in 2024, with market volume surging to 965.1 thousand tons, the highest level recorded in the 2018-2024 period. This sharp increase coincided with a significant rise in both domestic production and import volumes.

Production refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Italy

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Italy's production of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 669.7 million US dollars, marking a 10.2% rise from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 3.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 526.8 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 18.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 15.3%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Italy's production of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output totaled 632.0 thousand tonnes, showing a modest 4.4% increase compared to 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 514.6 thousand tonnes, which saw the largest decline of 17.7%. Conversely, 2019 posted the largest increase of 17.7%.

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

Exports refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Italy

Exports in kind, t

Italy's exports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 27 071 tonnes, up 7.4% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 80.3%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 21.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy's exports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions were widely distributed across partner countries. Germany accounted for 18.7% of exports in kind, France for 17.7%, and Switzerland for 5.4%. Together, these three countries represented only 41.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Italy's exports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value totaled 40 979 thousand US dollars, rising 7.3% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 78.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 21.4%.

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

The structure of Italy's exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 shows a diversified set of partners. France accounted for 16.8% of exports in value terms, Germany for 15.5%, and Asia, not elsewhere specified, for 6.6%. Collectively, these three represented only 38.9% of total flows, while the remaining 61.1% was spread across numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Italy

Imports in kind, t

Italy's imports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, import volume totaled 40 320 tonnes, down 48.7% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 56%, equating to an annualized decline of 23.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 99 543 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 8.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Ukraine, and Romania were the main suppliers of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Italy. Hungary accounted for 25.7% of imports in kind, Ukraine for 15.8%, and Romania for 11.6%. Together, these three countries comprised 53.2% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Italy's imports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions have decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import value tallied 44 675 thousand US dollars, dropping 38.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports declined by 49.4%, translating to an annualized decrease of 20.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 92 877 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 5.2%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Italy's import landscape in value terms was broad. Hungary accounted for 22.6% of imports in value terms, Ukraine for 14.4%, and Romania for 12.4%. Together, these three partners formed only 49.4% of total flows, with a substantial 50.6% coming from many other countries.

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

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