Sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the domestic market volume for sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil in Russia experienced fluctuations. In 2019, it decreased to 2.3 million tons due to a sharp rise in exports, despite increased production driven by the entry of new large players and favorable weather conditions. The following year, volume rebounded to 2.8 million tons as the COVID-19 pandemic boosted demand for oil as a long-shelf-life product, and new labeling requirements were introduced to enhance transparency.

After stabilizing at 2.8 million tons in 2021 amid post-pandemic demand recovery and a shift in consumer preference toward refined oil, the market surged to 3.6 million tons in 2022 driven by panic buying in an uncertain economic climate, supported by a record sunflower harvest. By 2023, volume remained at 3.6 million tons as production growth, including the launch of new plants in Rostov and Orenburg regions, was largely channeled into exports, while domestic demand stayed robust.

Production sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions in Russia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia ranked as the world's second-largest producer 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

Russia's production of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 6 024 thousand tonnes, marking a solid increase of 11.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 29.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 4 643 thousand tonnes, which saw a slight decline of 0.1%. The most significant growth occurred in 2019, with a 16.7% increase.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions production in Russia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production was valued at 4 644 million US dollars, showing a strong rise of 20.3% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, the value grew by 30.6%, averaging 9.3% per year. The lowest value was in 2018 at 3 537 million US dollars, which experienced a 0.5% decrease.

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

Exports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's export volume of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 3 207 thousand tonnes, up 3.6% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 37.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.3%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 2 103 thousand tonnes, which saw a 9.6% decline. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 47.3% jump.

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

An analysis of export volumes from 2017 to 2020 shows a diverse distribution across many markets. Turkey accounted for 17.9% of exports, China for 14.1%, and Egypt for 11.0%, together making up 43.1% of total flows. The remaining 56.9% went to various other partners.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions exports from Russia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 2 472 million US dollars, up 12.1% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 38.9%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 11.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 602 million US dollars, which saw a 10.0% decline. The largest increase was in 2019, with a 37.7% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, China, and Egypt were notable but not dominant buyers of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions from Russia in value terms. Turkey accounted for 16.9% of export value, China for 13.8%, and Egypt for 10.4%, together representing 41.1% of total exports.

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

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

Imports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes showed irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. The highest volume was in 2018 at 26 thousand tonnes, while the lowest was in 2020 at 1 thousand tonne, representing a 20-fold difference. In 2020, imports fell by 47.4% compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 90.4%, while the largest increase was in 2018, up 0.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine dominated imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions to Russia in volume terms, accounting for 78.5% of total flows. Other countries each held significantly smaller shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Russia's imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 million US dollars, down 22.9% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 91.3%, with an average annual decline of 55.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Ukraine was the primary source for imports in value terms, accounting for 70.7% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of partners.

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

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