Sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions market in France

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for sunflower, safflower, and cottonseed oils in France experienced fluctuations. In 2018, sunflower cultivation area decreased by 3.3% to 567 000 hectares due to rainy sowing conditions and insufficient sunlight, contributing to a decline in domestic production. The market volume then rose to 516.9 thousand tons in 2019, driven by increased imports and reduced exports, before dropping to 411.3 thousand tons in 2020.

The market recovered slightly in 2021, with volume reaching 426.7 thousand tons. This period saw the introduction of magnetic seed treatment for sunflower, shortening germination time and enhancing root growth to potentially boost yields. Simultaneously, the COVID-19 crisis caused processing plant closures and supply chain disruptions, yet global demand for healthy foods supported consumption. In 2022, the conflict in Ukraine triggered a price surge and shortage, as Ukraine and Russia supply 80% of global resources. French authorities temporarily allowed recipe changes without label adjustments to cope with scarcity, while imports peaked and consumers shifted to alternative oils like rapeseed, propelling market volume to 538.5 thousand tons.

By 2023, market volume adjusted to 459.3 thousand tons. Efforts to bolster French production intensified to offset lower imports, with a harvest target around 1.5 million tons set for 2024 despite challenging weather. Industrial investment grew, highlighted by the Avril group and Terrena cooperative's plan to launch a new crushing line for rapeseed and sunflower in 2025. In 2024, France became the third-largest EU producer of refined sunflower oil, outputting 454 175 tons. Price spikes from the Ukraine conflict eased as import flows were reorganized, and consumers increased stocks due to earlier scarcity concerns, while demand rose for organic and specialized oils.

Production sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, France ranked as the 8th largest producer of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions from 2017 to 2020.

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

France's production of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 472.3 thousand tonnes, marking an 11.4% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 10.9%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 615.2 thousand tonnes, with the largest year-over-year increase of 16.1% occurring that same year. Conversely, the most significant drop was observed in 2019, when production decreased by 13.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of France's sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions production also declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 554.0 million US dollars, showing only a slight fluctuation from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 9.3%, averaging a 3.0% annual growth rate. The peak value was recorded in 2018 at 577.1 million US dollars, which saw the largest increase of 13.8% that year. The most notable decline occurred in 2019, with a 3.6% decrease.

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

Exports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions from France

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, France exported 363.3 thousand tonnes of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions, representing a moderate 5.1% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 14.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -4.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 345.6 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 23.7%. In contrast, exports peaked in 2018 at 453.0 thousand tonnes, with the highest increase of 7.1% occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Spain were the top destinations for France's exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in volume terms. Belgium accounted for 27.2% of exports, the United Kingdom for 25.6%, and Spain for 12.3%, collectively making up 65.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of France's exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions reached 426.1 million US dollars, showing a solid 18.1% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 5.3%, with a CAGR of 1.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 360.7 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 15.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Spain led the structure of France's exports in value terms. Belgium contributed 27.4% of export value, the United Kingdom 24.6%, and Spain 11.0%, together representing 63.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions to France

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, France imported 302.3 thousand tonnes of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions, which was 8.3% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 265.5 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 12.6% occurring that year. Imports peaked in 2019 at 329.4 thousand tonnes, which saw the highest increase of 24.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Ukraine, Spain, and Belgium formed the core group of markets for France's imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in volume terms. Ukraine accounted for 44.2% of imports, Spain for 15.3%, and Belgium for 13.2%, collectively representing 72.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

France's imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 318.6 million US dollars, reflecting a slight rise of 1.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 8.2%, averaging a 2.7% annual increase. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 265.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 9.9%. The highest increase occurred in 2019, with an 18.7% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Spain, and Belgium remained the leading sources in France's import structure in value terms. Ukraine accounted for 37.4% of import value, Spain for 16.6%, and Belgium for 15.6%, together making up 69.6% of total import flows.

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

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