Sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil in Croatia expanded from 37 800 tonnes in 2018 to 59 200 tonnes in 2021. This growth was underpinned by Croatia's high sunflower seed yields, achieving 3.1 tonnes per hectare, and the strong expansion of sunflower oil processing within the EU, which reached an estimated 8 million tonnes in the 2017-2018 season. In 2021, domestic crush volumes increased even as the EU-wide figure declined by 7.7%, further supporting the market's rise.

Market volume then contracted to 56 100 tonnes in 2022 and 54 000 tonnes in 2023. Russia's invasion of Ukraine severely disrupted regional sunflower oil supply chains, leading to a sharp price surge in Croatia—from around 2 kn/kg to 4.70 kn/kg by March 2022—and reducing product availability. The ongoing supply chain disruptions, coupled with a growing global consumer trend toward seed-oil-free foods, contributed to the market's downward movement.

Production sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions in Croatia

In kind, 2017-2020, 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

Croatia's production of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions rebounded after two years of decline. In 2020, output reached 23 200 tonnes, marking a significant year-on-year increase of 20.8%. However, over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 52.4%, with an average annual decline of 21.9%. The lowest point was in 2019 at 19 200 tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 45.1% decrease.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Croatia's production value for sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions recovered following a two-year downturn. In 2020, it was valued at 22 270 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial 35.3% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, however, production value decreased by 50.6%, with an average annual reduction of 20.9%. The minimum was recorded in 2019 at 16 458 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline happened in 2018 with a 48.7% fall.

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

Exports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Croatia's exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in volume terms declined. In 2020, exports totaled 42 767 tonnes, reflecting a modest 5.7% year-on-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, exports overall increased by 30.9%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 9.4%. The peak was in 2019 at 45 338 tonnes, with the largest increase occurring 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 primary destinations for Croatia's exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in volume terms. Hungary accounted for 39.6% of exports, Italy for 14.9%, and Slovenia for 14.3%, collectively representing 68.8% of total export flows.

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, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in value terms grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 41 053 thousand US dollars, up 5.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 36%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Hungary, Slovenia, and Italy remained the key markets for Croatia's exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in value terms. Hungary held 38.8% of export value, Slovenia 14.7%, and Italy 14.6%, together comprising 68.1% of total export flows.

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, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of increase, Croatia's imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in volume terms decreased. In 2020, imports stood at 69 080 tonnes, showing a limited 4.1% contraction compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports overall rose by 32.8%, with an average annual growth of 9.9%. The highest level was in 2019 at 72 056 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 29.7% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Serbia and Hungary were the main sources for Croatia's imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in volume terms, jointly accounting for 93.6% of total import flows, while the remaining share was distributed among other markets.

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, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in value terms increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports were recorded at 59 247 thousand US dollars, up 7.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 29.1%, with an average annual increase of 8.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary and Serbia were the dominant suppliers of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions to Croatia in value terms, together taking 92.1% of total imports, with other partners playing a minor role.

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

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