Soybean oilcake market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

The soybean oilcake market in the CIS region expanded from 3.8 million tons in 2018 to 4.8 million tons in 2023, with fluctuations influenced by production and trade dynamics. Initial growth was supported by rising oilseed cultivation, which increased the supply of processing by-products. A steady 20% import duty helped maintain domestic production. However, in 2020, the market volume contracted as a surge in exports diverted supply abroad, despite seasonal production gains from higher bean imports.

Market volume recovered in 2021 following a sharp rise in imports, triggered by reports of a supply shortage and reduced competition. The subsequent period saw stabilization, with exports remaining strong. A pivotal shift occurred in 2023 when China opened its market to soybean oilcake imports from the region, leading to a 25% jump in market volume to 4.8 million tons as shipments accelerated.

Throughout the period, the industry adapted to evolving conditions. The development of full-fat soy as an alternative product gained traction. By 2024, producers continued to boost output while facing stricter import registration and GMO requirements, which nearly halted soybean oilcake imports and prompted industry calls for maintaining protective duties.

Production soybean oilcake in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of soybean oilcake, 2017-2020

World map of production of soybean oilcake, 2017-2020

Soybean oilcake production in the CIS has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 3,719 thousand tonnes, marking a 3.3% year-over-year growth. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 19.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of soybean oilcake in the CIS was valued at 1,613 million US dollars, showing a moderate increase of 6.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 12.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 3.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1,650 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 with an 8.1% drop. The most significant increase was in 2018, with a 14.7% rise.

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

Exports soybean oilcake from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

Soybean oilcake exports from the CIS have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume totaled 968.7 thousand tonnes, reflecting a sharp rise of 32.2% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 172.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 39.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, soybean oilcake exports from the CIS were not concentrated on a few key markets. The Netherlands accounted for 14.8% of exports in kind, Poland for 10.8%, and Germany for 7.5%, with these three countries together representing only 33.1% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Soybean oilcake exports from the CIS have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 420.1 million US dollars, corresponding to a 36.1% year-over-year increase. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 156.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 37.0%.

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

Over the period 2017–2020, the geographical structure of soybean oilcake exports in value terms was highly diversified. The Netherlands accounted for 13.1% of exports in value, Poland for 10.2%, and Norway for 10.1%, with these three countries together making up only 33.5% of total flows. The remaining 66.5% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Imports soybean oilcake to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, soybean oilcake imports into the CIS declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 908.6 thousand tonnes, down by 8.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 20.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 996.3 thousand tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 27.0% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina, Ukraine, and Latvia remained the key sources for soybean oilcake imports into the CIS. Argentina accounted for 30.0% of imports in kind, Ukraine for 20.7%, and Latvia for 6.9%, with these three countries together taking 57.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, soybean oilcake imports into the CIS reached 544.4 million US dollars, indicating a 33.0% increase over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 73%, equating to an annualized rate of 20.0%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 with a 7.5% drop, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 40.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Argentina, Ukraine, and Latvia—together accounted for 56.0% of total soybean oilcake imports in value terms into the CIS.

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

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