Soybean oilcake market in Switzerland

Earlier Report Observations

The Swiss soybean oilcake market contracted from 272.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 220.7 thousand tons in 2023. This decline was driven primarily by a reduction in imports, which fell from 260.2 thousand tons to 211.2 thousand tons over the period. Domestic production also fluctuated, dropping to 6.1 thousand tons in 2021 due to pressure on producer prices from rising costs and consumer expectations for lower prices, before recovering to 11.8 thousand tons in 2023 amid price stabilization.

Framework contracts between oilseed growers and processors, administered by the Production Pool for Oilseeds, provided a stable sales channel throughout the years. Subsidies for sunflower and soybean cultivation enhanced profitability and encouraged area expansion, with planted oilseed acreage reaching a historic high of 35 291 hectares in 2024.

Key industry organizations, including Swiss Granum and the Swiss Grain Producers Association, facilitated market observation and coordination. Global price volatility and cost pressures affected the market, particularly import flows, while producer prices for soybean oilcake remained under strain.

Production soybean oilcake in Switzerland

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of soybean oilcake, 2017-2020

World map of production of soybean oilcake, 2017-2020

Switzerland's soybean oilcake production has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 10 700 tonnes, which represents a 7.8% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 17.5%, with an average annual decline of 6.2%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 13 828 tonnes. That year also saw the largest increase of 6.7%, while 2019 experienced the most significant drop of 16.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Switzerland in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Soybean oilcake production in Switzerland has decreased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 5 633 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp decline of 25.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value fell by 32.9%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 12.5%. The peak value was reached in 2018 at 9 539 thousand US dollars, with that year also recording the largest increase of 13.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Switzerland in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports soybean oilcake from Switzerland

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest was in 2020, with a 4.4-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, soybean oilcake exports from Switzerland reached 2.5 thousand tonnes, representing a substantial increase of 187.3% compared to 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when exports fell by 32.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and France consistently accounted for 93.4% of Switzerland's total soybean oilcake exports by volume, indicating a highly concentrated market with numerous smaller destinations making up the remainder.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Export values reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 3.5-fold gap between these years. In 2020, soybean oilcake exports from Switzerland amounted to 1.3 million US dollars, up by 130.8% from 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 35.8%, while 2018 saw the most significant increase of 139.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany and France together captured 90.7% of Switzerland's total soybean oilcake export value, with the remaining flows distributed thinly across other markets.

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

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

Imports soybean oilcake to Switzerland

Imports in kind, K t

Foreign soybean oilcake supplies to Switzerland have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Switzerland imported 255.9 thousand tonnes, representing a slight decrease of 1.0% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 6.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 2.2%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Brazil, Russia, and Italy remained the key sources for Switzerland's soybean oilcake imports by volume, accounting for 39.0%, 18.1%, and 16.9% respectively. Together, these three countries represented 73.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Soybean oilcake imports to Switzerland have declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at approximately 133.0 million US dollars, marking a 3.3% drop compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 7.8%, with an average annual decline of 2.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 151.7 million US dollars. That year also saw the largest increase of 5.1%, while 2019 experienced the most significant decline of 9.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, Italy, and Russia played the leading roles in Switzerland's soybean oilcake imports by value, accounting for 37.2%, 17.6%, and 16.6% respectively. Collectively, these three countries represented 71.4% of total import flows.

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

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