Sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, production of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil in Central Asia rose from 588 thousand tons to 750 thousand tons. Market volume expanded from 891 thousand tons to 1 064 thousand tons over the same period. This growth was driven by several factors: larger sunflower seed harvests boosted raw material availability, major oil companies ramped up output, and state investment programs supported processing capacity. The implementation of new EAEU technical regulations and labeling rules in 2021 also affected product packaging and market access.

From 2022 onward, the market saw significant shifts. The entry of new producers and the commissioning of new oil plants, along with import restrictions and sanctions, pushed domestic production to 858 thousand tons in 2022. Exports jumped sharply, causing market volume to dip to 973 thousand tons that year. In 2023, production held steady at 860 thousand tons, while exports continued to climb on the back of strong global prices and demand. For 2024, new labeling requirements took effect in May, and government measures to promote exports remained in place, alongside rising prices and the development of new industrial uses for sunflower oil.

Production sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

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

Central Asia's production of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 685.9 K t, showing no significant change compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 16.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 588.1 K t, which saw a slight decline of 0.1%. In contrast, 2019 marked the largest increase, with production rising by 16.0%.

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

Exports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions from Central Asia

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions from Central Asia have risen for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 79.3 K t, up by 22.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 54.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.7%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 40.2 K t, which experienced a decline of 21.5%. The most significant growth occurred in 2019, with exports surging by 61.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Afghanistan, and Russia were consistently the main destinations for exports in kind. China accounted for 32.1% of exports, Afghanistan for 8.2%, and Russia for 0.8%. Together, these three countries represented 41.1% 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

Shipments of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions from Central Asia to abroad have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 129.8 M $ US, rising by 38.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 136.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 33.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Afghanistan, and Russia accounted for the largest share of exports in value terms. China represented 32.1% of exports, Afghanistan 9.0%, and Russia 0.8%. Combined, these three countries made up 41.9% 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, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions to Central Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Imported volumes of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in Central Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 455.2 K t, showing no significant change year-over-year compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 42.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Russia and Azerbaijan remained the primary sources for imports in kind. Together, they accounted for 82.5% of total import 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

Imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions into Central Asia have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, Central Asia imported 420.6 M $ US, representing a solid rise of 10.8% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 52%, with a compound annual growth rate of 15.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia and Azerbaijan continued to be the main suppliers of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions to Central Asia. Their joint share amounted to 83.1% of total imports in value terms.

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

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