Refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in Spain, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the Spanish market for refined sunflower or safflower oil showed considerable fluctuations. In 2018, domestic production stood at 1 013 thousand tons, yet the market relied on imports from Ukraine and Russia to meet demand, resulting in a market volume of 878 thousand tons. The market volume dipped to 854 thousand tons in 2019 as imports fell sharply to 17 thousand tons. A significant contraction followed in 2020, with production dropping to 856 thousand tons and market volume falling to 699 thousand tons, before recovering to 852 thousand tons in 2021 as production rose to 984 thousand tons.

The war in Ukraine in 2022 severely disrupted Spain's sunflower oil supply, causing shortages and price increases of over 100% and leading supermarkets to limit sales. This shock drove import volumes up to 81 thousand tons in 2022 as buyers sought alternative sources, while exports also surged to 250 thousand tons. Consumption began recovering in 2023, with sunflower oil becoming the most consumed oil in Spain by sales volume, surpassing olive oil due to its lower price. Imports climbed further to 96 thousand tons in 2023, with exports at 219 thousand tons. The trend continued into 2024, marked by a 25% sales increase in the previous year and growing consumer preference for high-oleic refined sunflower oil, even as imports declined to 49 thousand tons and exports eased to 199 thousand tons.

Spain's regulatory framework for edible vegetable oils underwent a modernization process during this period. A comprehensive update of quality standards was initiated, leading to a new royal decree set for 2025 that expands permitted raw materials, introduces clear labeling for pressed and refined oils, and updates quality parameters to accommodate new sunflower varieties.

Production refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Spain's production of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 840.7 million US dollars, showing a moderate year-on-year decrease of 5.4%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 14.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

In 2020, Spain produced 856 thousand tonnes of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, marking a solid decrease of 15.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production dropped by 15.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.5%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 0.3%.

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

Exports refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Spain

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year uptick, Spain's exports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in volume terms declined. In 2020, Spain exported 176.6 thousand tonnes, showing a slight drop of 1.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 4%, with an annualized rate of 1.3%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 178.4 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 3.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and the United Kingdom stood out as the main markets for Spain's exports in volume terms. France accounted for 27.9% of exports, Portugal for 16.3%, and the United Kingdom for 6.9%, together representing 51.1% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Spain's exports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in value terms were recorded at 206.0 million US dollars, up by 10.3% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 15%, with an annualized rate of 4.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 2.3%.

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

During 2017–2020, Spain's exports in value terms were distributed across numerous markets. France, Portugal, and South Korea were key destinations, accounting for 27.0%, 15.5%, and 7.0% of exports, respectively, jointly making up 49.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Spain

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year decrease, Spain's imports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in volume terms increased. In 2020, imports were recorded at 19.6 thousand tonnes, marking a notable rise of 18.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 64.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 29.0%. The minimum volume was in 2019 at 16.5 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline also occurring that year at 59.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and Ukraine were the biggest contributors to Spain's imports in volume terms. France accounted for 49.6% of imports, Portugal for 13.0%, and Ukraine for 10.7%, together representing 73.3% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Spain's imports of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in value terms increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 21.8 million US dollars, up by 21.2% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 57.5%, with an annualized rate of 24.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 18.0 million US dollars, and the largest decline also occurred in 2019 at 49.7%.

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

In 2017–2020, three principal markets—France, Portugal, and Germany—together accounted for 68.4% of Spain's total imports in value terms of refined sunflower or safflower oil and fractions.

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

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