Soybean oil and fractions market in France, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the French market for soybean oil and fractions saw initial strength supported by European biofuel policies that boosted demand for soybean oil in biodiesel production, alongside a strategic alliance between major players Avril and Euralis to enhance domestic soybean processing. A subsequent dip in market volume in 2019 coincided with a broader decline in domestic vegetable oil output, tightening supply. The market rebounded in 2020 as new European regulations favoring bio-based materials spurred industrial use of epoxidized soybean oil in the chemical sector, complemented by industry investments in traceability and quality improvements.

A sharp contraction in 2021, with market volume falling to 86.2 thousand tonnes, was primarily driven by stricter labeling and traceability mandates for soybean products, which disrupted market flows, coupled with policy shifts aimed at reducing imports of genetically modified soy. Partial recovery followed in 2022, supported by evolving EU biofuel rules that sustained demand for soybean oil in energy applications. By 2023, the market expanded strongly to 164.8 thousand tonnes, fueled by growing consumer and industrial demand for non‑chemically modified oils with guaranteed quality and origin, further reinforced by tighter transparency and labeling regulations.

Production soybean oil and fractions in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On a global scale, France ranked as the 28th largest producer of soybean oil and fractions between 2017 and 2020.

Top producers of soybean oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of soybean oil and fractions, 2017-2020

France's production of soybean oil and fractions declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 140.2 thousand tonnes, which represents a 2.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 8.1%, translating to an average annual decline of 2.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of decline, France's production value of soybean oil and fractions increased in 2020. The output was valued at 129.8 million US dollars, marking a significant gain of 20.5% from the previous year. However, between 2017 and 2020, the overall production value decreased by 16.7%, with an average annual decline of 5.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 107.7 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 25.2% during this period.

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

Exports soybean oil and fractions from France

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports reached their minimum in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 3.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, France's export volume of soybean oil and fractions was 51 934 tonnes, representing a steep reduction of 25.3% from the previous year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 69 565 tonnes, following the largest increase of 108.6% in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Morocco, the United Kingdom, and Spain consistently held leading positions in France's export structure by volume. Morocco accounted for 27.6% of exports, the United Kingdom for 17.5%, and Spain for 11.0%, jointly making up 56.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export values fluctuated, with a 2.3-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, the value of soybean oil and fractions leaving France reached 48 081 thousand US dollars, equivalent to a modest decline of 7.3% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 51 884 thousand US dollars, after the largest increase of 96.6% in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Morocco, the United Kingdom, and Belgium remained the main buyers of soybean oil and fractions from France in value terms. Morocco accounted for 24.1% of exports, the United Kingdom for 15.7%, and Belgium for 11.8%, jointly forming 51.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports soybean oil and fractions to France

Imports in kind, t

France's import volume of soybean oil and fractions increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 74 375 tonnes, representing a limited advance of 3.1% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 108.2%, equating to an average annual increase of 27.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest sources for imports by volume were Spain, Paraguay, and the Netherlands, together accounting for 74.1% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, cross-border shipments of soybean oil and fractions into France totalled 62 635 thousand US dollars, which is 17.7% more year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 92.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 24.5%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 2.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 68.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Spain, Paraguay, and the Netherlands were the principal sources for imports in value terms. Spain accounted for 29.5% of imports, Paraguay for 22.1%, and the Netherlands for 17.0%, jointly making up 68.5% of total import flows.

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

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