Sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions market in Kazakhstan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the domestic market for sunflower, safflower, and cottonseed oils in Kazakhstan expanded from 297 thousand tons to 358 thousand tons, driven by the agricultural sector's reorientation from grains to oilseeds and increased sunflower cultivation areas. This growth in production bolstered domestic availability. In 2020, consumption dipped to 346 thousand tons due to the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, which impacted supply chains and demand.

Market volume stabilized around 345 thousand tons in 2021 following the introduction of an export duty on sunflower seeds, which incentivized domestic processing. A sharp rise to 423 thousand tons occurred in 2022, primarily because the same export duty mechanism spurred a 50% increase in oil production by encouraging local refining of seeds. However, by 2023, domestic consumption fell sharply to 257 thousand tons as export volumes grew 1.6-fold, diverting supply abroad, supported by the launch of new export-oriented refined oil production at the TOO 'Sarkan Mai' plant.

In 2024, industry dynamics continued to favor production and export growth, with Kazakhstan entering the top-10 global sunflower oil exporters. The government reinforced this trend by implementing a 20% export duty on sunflower seeds to moderate domestic raw material prices and support the processing sector.

Production sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions in Kazakhstan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Kazakhstan ranked 14th globally in the production of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions.

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

Kazakhstan's production of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 367.7 thousand tons, marking a modest 5.9% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 30%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 9.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The production value of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in Kazakhstan increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 297.5 million US dollars, representing a 12.2% year-over-year advance. Between 2017 and 2020, production value grew by 26%, equating to an 8.0% annualized rate. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 216.1 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 8.5%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 22.7% rise.

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

Exports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions from Kazakhstan

Exports in kind, K t

Cross-border shipments of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions from Kazakhstan increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 127.4 thousand tons, showing a solid 20.2% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 94.2%, corresponding to an annualized growth rate of 24.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan were the main buyers of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions from Kazakhstan in terms of volume. China accounted for 36.2% of exports, Uzbekistan for 30.8%, and Tajikistan for 19.7%. Together, these three countries represented 86.7% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions from Kazakhstan increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 103.1 million US dollars, reflecting a 27.3% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 88.3%, with an annualized rate of 23.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan were the principal destinations for Kazakhstan's exports in value terms. China made up 36.2% of exports, Uzbekistan 30.9%, and Tajikistan 17.2%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 84.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions to Kazakhstan

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions into Kazakhstan declined. In 2020, imports totaled 105.2 thousand tons, indicating a strong 10.2% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 15.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 117.1 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 19.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia was overwhelmingly dominant as the source for Kazakhstan's imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions in kind, accounting for 99.9% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions into Kazakhstan increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 90.0 million US dollars, showing a limited 9.8% improvement over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 23.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms were heavily concentrated on Russia, which accounted for 99.9% of total flows.

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

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