Sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Production of sunflower and safflower oil in Russia showed strong growth from 4.6 million tons in 2018 to 7 million tons in 2023. This expansion was primarily driven by increased sunflower harvests, such as a 21% rise in 2019, which boosted processing volumes. The launch of new oil extraction plants in Rostov and Orenburg regions in 2023 further expanded capacity, contributing to a 13.2% annual production increase.

Domestic market volume fluctuated due to export dynamics and state interventions. The introduction of export duties on sunflower oil in September 2021 reduced shipments of packaged oil by 38.1%, supporting local supply despite a temporary dip in output. In subsequent years, rising demand for affordable sunflower oil as a staple food item helped lift domestic consumption to around 3.6 million tons in 2022‑2023. Authorities also implemented retail price caps through agreements with producers and retailers to stabilize the market.

In 2024, the sector continued to develop with expanded sowing areas and new processing facilities. Mandatory labeling for vegetable oil was introduced on 1 September to enhance traceability, while the export duty was cut by 33% from 1 July to encourage foreign sales.

Production sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Russia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Russia was the world's second-largest producer of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from 2017 to 2020.

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 Russia grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, Russia produced 6 024 K t, marking a strong 11.2% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 29.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.0%. The lowest output was in 2018 at 4 643 K t, which saw a slight decline of 0.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 16.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Russia's sunflower or safflower oil and fractions production value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 4 644 M $ US, up 20.3% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 30.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 537 M $ US, which experienced a decline of 0.5%.

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

Exports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 3 207 K t, a 3.6% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 37.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.3%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 2 103 K t, which saw a drop of 9.6%. The largest increase happened in 2019, with a surge of 47.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia's exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions were widely distributed across markets. Turkey accounted for 17.9% of exports in kind, China for 14.1%, and Egypt for 11.0%, together making up only 43.1% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Russia's export value of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 472 M $ US, a solid 12.1% improvement compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value rose by 38.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.6%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 1 602 M $ US, which declined by 10.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 37.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia supplied sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to a diverse range of markets. Turkey represented 16.9% of exports in value terms, China 13.8%, and Egypt 10.4%, together accounting for only 41.1% of total export value. Many smaller destinations made up the remaining 58.9%.

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

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

Imports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during these years. The lowest point was in 2020 at 1 K t, a steep 50.0% decrease year-over-year, while the peak was in 2018 at 26 K t, representing a 22-fold difference. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 91.1%, and the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 0.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine consistently dominated Russia's imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in kind, accounting for 79.2% of total imports, indicating high market concentration. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Russia's imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 M $ US, a robust 22.6% fall from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 92%, with a compound annual growth rate of 56.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Russia were highly concentrated, with Ukraine accounting for 71.7% of total flows. Other countries together formed the remaining share.

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

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