Refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for refined sunflower and safflower oil in Russia grew from 4.2 million tonnes in 2018 to 4.7 million tonnes in 2019, supported by a large sunflower seed harvest that boosted production. Market volume further increased to 5.4 million tonnes in 2020. However, in 2021 it contracted to 4.8 million tonnes due to the sanctions crisis and the introduction of export duties on sunflower oil, which reduced packaged oil production and exports.

From 2022 onward, the market recovered and expanded rapidly, reaching 5.7 million tonnes in 2022 and 6.6 million tonnes in 2023. This growth was driven by record sunflower seed harvests and expanded cultivation areas, as well as panic buying by consumers stocking up amid economic uncertainty. In 2022, the government imposed temporary export restrictions on oil, channeling more supply to the domestic market. In 2023, India sharply increased imports of Russian oil, stimulating output, while construction and modernization of oil extraction plants began in Kursk and Samara regions.

In 2024, market volume rose to 7.8 million tonnes as sunflower oil production in Russia increased by 11.7%. Starting September 2024, mandatory labeling of vegetable oil in consumer packaging came into force, introducing a new regulatory requirement for market participants. Earlier, in 2022, the American company Bunge exited the market by selling its assets, altering the competitive landscape.

Production refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Russia's production of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions declined after two years of growth. In 2019, production saw its largest increase of 16.7%. The peak was reached in 2020 with 6 024 thousand tons. However, by 2021, production had fallen to 5 249 thousand tons, a decrease of 12.9% compared to 2020. Over the entire period from 2018 to 2021, production increased by 13.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's exports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions declined after two years of gains. In 2020, exports recorded their largest increase of 22.1%, reaching a peak of 712.2 thousand tons. However, in 2021, exports dropped sharply to 470.7 thousand tons, a year-on-year decrease of 33.9%. From 2018 to 2021, overall exports decreased by 4.1%, with an average annual decline of 1.4%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia's exports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions were widely distributed across partner countries. The top three destinations—Uzbekistan with 26.1%, Belarus with 11.9%, and Kazakhstan with 8.6%—together accounted for only 46.6% of total export volumes, indicating a diverse market spread.

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

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Russia's export value of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 673.6 million US dollars, showing a gradual uptick of 3.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, export value rose by 60.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 17.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the partner landscape for Russia's export value of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions was broad. The top three countries—Uzbekistan with 25.8%, Belarus with 12.0%, and Kazakhstan with 8.8%—together made up only 46.5% of total flows. The remaining 53.5% was distributed among many other countries, highlighting the market's diversity.

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

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Russia's imports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to approximately 0.7 thousand tons, marking a sudden drop of 30.7% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 87.1%, equating to an average annual decline of 49.5%.

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

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the three largest sources for Russia's imports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions were Belarus, Lithuania, and Kazakhstan. Together, they accounted for 84.9% of total import volumes, dominating the supply landscape.

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

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Russia's import value of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 1.0 million US dollars, a significant decrease of 12.8% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, import value fell by 78.4%, with an average annual decline of 40.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus, Lithuania, and Kazakhstan remained the key sources for Russia's import value of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions. Belarus accounted for 42.0%, Lithuania for 22.0%, and Kazakhstan for 11.2%, together making up 75.3% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021