Sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in Kazakhstan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, Kazakh production of sunflower and safflower oil showed steady growth, rising from 273 thousand t in 2018 to 353 thousand t in 2020. This initial increase was linked to local companies entering export markets, as with the first shipment of safflower oil to China, and the emergence of new producers expanding the product range. Domestic market volume also grew to 353 thousand t in 2019 but then stabilized around 340 thousand t in 2020-2021 as production growth was accompanied by rising export shipments.

A sharp production jump to 554 thousand t occurred in 2022 against a backdrop of improved technology, expanded production capacity, and state support programs for oilseed crops. Market volume increased to 420 thousand t, but in 2023 it fell to 258 thousand t due to a rapid rise in exports, which exceeded 372 thousand t. During this period, investments in new facilities led to a doubling of unrefined sunflower oil output and a multi-fold increase in safflower oil production, while new players entered the market introducing cold-press technologies.

By 2024, Kazakhstan entered the top-10 global exporters of sunflower oil, ranking eighth, driven by the reorientation of the agricultural sector toward oilseed crops and the expansion of export markets. Oilseed planted area grew by 46%, stimulating further production growth, although domestic demand for safflower oil declined, leading to the shutdown of some plants. Simultaneously, new labeling and packaging rules were introduced to enhance product quality.

Production sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Kazakhstan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan maintained the 12th position globally in terms of production volume for 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

Sunflower or safflower oil and fractions production in Kazakhstan has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Kazakhstan produced 352.7 K t, showing a modest 8.1% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 32.7%, which translates to an annualized rate of 9.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Sunflower or safflower oil and fractions production in Kazakhstan has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 279.9 M $ US, representing a substantial 15.3% gain over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 28.1%, equating to an 8.6% annualized rate. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 199.6 M $ US, with the largest decline of 8.7% occurring that year. In contrast, the largest increase of 21.6% was observed in 2019.

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

Exports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Kazakhstan

Exports in kind, K t

Sunflower or safflower oil and fractions exports from Kazakhstan have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 114.8 K t, up by 26.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 129.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan formed the key group of partners for Kazakhstan's exports in kind of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions. China accounted for 42.7% of exports, Uzbekistan for 31.2%, and Tajikistan for 15.0%, collectively representing 89.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Sunflower or safflower oil and fractions shipments from Kazakhstan have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Kazakhstan exported 91 154 K $ US, marking an intense 35.2% gain over the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 121.7%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading destinations for Kazakhstan's exports in value terms of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions were China, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. China held a 43.7% share, Uzbekistan 31.6%, and Tajikistan 11.7%, jointly accounting for 87.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Kazakhstan

Imports in kind, K t

After a two-year rise, Kazakhstan's sunflower or safflower oil and fractions import volume declined. In 2020, imports stood at 105.1 K t, down by 10.3% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 15.8%, equating to a 5.0% annualized rate. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 117.1 K t, with the largest increase of 19.2% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, sunflower or safflower oil and fractions imports to Kazakhstan were shipped almost exclusively from Russia, which accounted for 100.0% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Sunflower or safflower oil and fractions imports to Kazakhstan have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 89 910 K $ US, showing a moderate 9.7% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 23.8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia effectively dominated imports in value terms of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Kazakhstan, holding a 100.0% share of total flows.

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

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