Sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The Croatian market for sunflower and safflower oil expanded from 71 268 t in 2018 to 90 382 t in 2019, supported by production subsidies for sunflower crops which bolstered local agricultural output. This initial growth was further amplified by a shift in consumer preferences toward organic and high-oleic sunflower oils, driven by health trends, which increased domestic demand. Market volume stabilized at 90 221 t in 2020, a year in which Croatia remained an active participant in regional sunflower seed trade.

A significant surge followed, with the market reaching 108 110 t in 2021 and 114 515 t in 2022. This growth was primarily driven by supply chain disruptions originating from Ukraine and Russia, which prompted EU oilseed processors, including those in Croatia, to increase sunflower oil production by sourcing seeds from alternative regions like South America. The formation of a strategic partnership between Bunge and BZ Group also impacted European seed supply chains, improving raw material availability. Continued Croatian agricultural subsidies provided additional support for production during this period.

Market volume contracted to 84 231 t in 2023. By 2024, it recovered to 99 327 t as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict continued to affect regional dynamics, leading EU processors to further adapt by increasing production with imported seeds. Government investments in energy infrastructure indirectly supported the processing sector, while EU agricultural policies and a sustained consumer demand for premium oil varieties contributed to the market's recovery.

Production sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Croatia's production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions was valued at 66 902 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 12.1% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 27.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 0.2%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, at 14.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Croatia ranked 26th globally in the production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions.

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

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

Croatia's production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 63 909 tonnes, remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 24.8%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 7.7%.

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

Exports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Croatia's exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions declined. In 2020, exports totaled 42 767 tonnes, down 5.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 30.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.4%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 45 338 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 36.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Italy, and Slovenia were the main buyers of Croatia's sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in volume terms. Hungary accounted for 39.6% of exports, Italy for 14.9%, and Slovenia for 14.3%, together comprising 68.8% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Croatia's exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 41 053 thousand US dollars, up 5.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 36%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three key markets—Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy—together accounted for 68.1% of the total export value of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Croatia.

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

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

Imports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Croatia's imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions declined in volume. In 2020, imports totaled 69 080 tonnes, down 3.9% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 32.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 71 899 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, at 29.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Serbia and Hungary were the key partners for Croatia's imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in volume terms, together accounting for 93.6% of total imports, with other partners making up the remainder.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Croatia's imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value totaled 59 245 thousand US dollars, up 7.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 29.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary and Serbia together captured 92.1% of the total import value of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions for Croatia, with the rest distributed thinly across other markets.

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

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