Sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The Central Asian market for sunflower and safflower oil expanded significantly between 2018 and 2019, with volume rising from 623 thousand tonnes to 805 thousand tonnes. This growth was primarily driven by increased production and export volumes from Russia, a key supplier to the region, where a saturated domestic market directed surplus oil abroad.

Market volume stabilized in 2020 despite global supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A sharp contraction followed in 2021, as export duties and restrictions on sunflower oil and seeds enacted by Russia and neighboring countries reduced the availability of imports, pulling the regional market size down to 716 thousand tonnes.

The market rebounded from 2022 onwards. Sanctions and trade restrictions prompted a shift towards import substitution and localization of production within Central Asia, leading to a surge in domestic output from 404 thousand tonnes in 2021 to 642 thousand tonnes in 2022. Concurrently, the launch of new large-scale processing facilities in Russia and continued high export volumes supported supply. By 2023, the market had recovered to 797 thousand tonnes, aided by these structural changes and the ongoing integration of regional labeling and certification requirements within the Customs Union framework.

Production sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, 2017-2020

World map of production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, sunflower or safflower oil and fractions production in Central Asia declined. In 2020, production reached 415.0 K t, marking a 2.0% decrease from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 37.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 11.3%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 423.5 K t, with the largest annual increase of 27.5% also occurring that year.

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

Exports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Central Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Central Asia's exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 58.3 K t, representing a 24.8% increase over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports expanded by 43.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 12.7%. The lowest point was in 2018 at 30.4 K t, which saw the largest decline of 25.3%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest surge with a 53.7% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Afghanistan, and Russia were the core markets for Central Asia's exports in kind. China accounted for 41.3% of exports, Afghanistan for 7.4%, and Russia for 0.8%. Together, these three countries represented 49.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Central Asia's exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 100.9 M $ US, showing a 48.3% gain compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 145.3%, with an average annual rate of 34.9%.

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

During 2017–2020, China, Afghanistan, and Russia consistently served as the main destinations for Central Asia's exports in value terms. China held a 42.0% share, Afghanistan 8.5%, and Russia 0.8%. Combined, these markets accounted for 51.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Central Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Central Asia's imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in kind rose for the third year in a row. In 2020, import volume reached 434.3 K t, reflecting a 1.3% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 43.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia was the key partner for Central Asia's imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in kind, dominating with an 88.2% share of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Central Asia's imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in value terms increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 392.7 M $ US, indicating a strong 13.2% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports expanded by 54.1%, averaging an annual growth rate of 15.5%.

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

In 2017–2020, Russia stood out as the primary supplier of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Central Asia in value terms, accounting for 89.1% of total imports.

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

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