Sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions market in Israel

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for sunflower, safflower, and cottonseed oils in Israel grew from 31 378 t in 2018 to 55 660 t in 2023, despite a temporary dip in 2022. This expansion was primarily fueled by surging imports, which more than doubled over the period, while domestic production fluctuated, peaking in 2022 before moderating.

The sharp market growth in 2023 coincided with a global shortage of olive oil caused by severe weather in Spain, which increased demand for alternative vegetable oils such as sunflower oil. This period also saw the exposure of adulterated canola oil containing sunflower oil, drawing greater regulatory and consumer attention to product quality and labeling standards within the sector.

By 2024, imports of these oils continued their upward trajectory, reaching 65 158 t. The market context included ongoing discussions about consumer preferences and research highlighting the limitations of regular sunflower oil for high-temperature frying due to the formation of potentially harmful compounds.

Production sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions in Israel

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

In 2020, Israel produced 6 768 tons of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 41.7%. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually decreased by 8.9%, which translates to an annualized decline of 3.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 4 775 tons, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 7 948 tons. The most substantial drop was observed in 2019, when production fell by 39.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output value of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in Israel reached 7 244 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic year-over-year rise of 47.1%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, however, production value decreased by 7.9%, averaging an annual decline of 2.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 4 923 thousand US dollars, and the maximum in 2018 at 9 594 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 48.7%.

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

Exports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions from Israel

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions from Israel showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. The lowest point was in 2020, with exports amounting to 14 tons, down 71.1% from the previous year. In contrast, the peak was reached in 2017, creating a 17-fold gap between these years. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 90.9%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2019, rising by 116.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan, Spain, and Romania were the leading destinations for Israel's exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in kind. Japan accounted for 34.4% of exports, Spain for 33.0%, and Romania for 14.4%. Together, these three countries represented 81.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions from Israel exhibited volatility over the observed period. The lowest value was in 2020, at 15 thousand US dollars, indicating an abrupt fall of 70.0% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2017, resulting in a 17-fold gap between these years. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 89.6%, while the biggest increase was in 2019, up by 85.2%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Japan, Spain, and Romania remained the key destinations for Israel's exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in value terms. Japan held a 34.2% share, Spain 32.8%, and Romania 14.0%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 80.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions to Israel

Imports in kind, t

Imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions into Israel increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 36 559 tons, which represents a moderate rise of 3.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 96.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Spain, and Russia were the top suppliers of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions to Israel in kind. Ukraine accounted for 35.5% of imports, Spain for 20.0%, and Russia for 19.7%. Together, these three countries made up 75.1% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions into Israel increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, with a value of approximately 40 778 thousand US dollars, indicating a year-over-year rise of 16.9%. Between 2017 and 2020, import value increased by 115.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 29.2%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Spain, and Russia were the main sources for Israel's imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in value terms. Ukraine represented 35.5% of imports, Spain 20.6%, and Russia 19.3%. Combined, these three markets accounted for 75.3% of total import flows.

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

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