Sunflower-seed oilcake market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

The Russian sunflower-seed oilcake market volume fluctuated between 3.3 million tons in 2018 and 5.6 million tons in 2024. Early growth was supported by expanding sunflower cultivation areas and state incentives for oilseed processing. However, a sharp rise in exports to 1.8 million tons in 2019 temporarily reduced domestic availability, pulling the market size down to 2.6 million tons.

Market volume rebounded to 4.0 million tons in 2020 as processors focused on by-product utilization despite a lower sunflower harvest. The introduction of steep export duties on sunflower seeds and oil—rising from 6.5% to 30% and later to 50%—curbed overseas shipments and supported domestic supply. The COVID-19 pandemic affected supply chains but did not prevent output growth.

After a dip in 2021, production accelerated from 2022 onward, reaching 8.1 million tons by 2024. This was fueled by increased crushing capacity and a redirection of exports to Asia, particularly China, Uzbekistan and Turkey. The exit of foreign players like Bunge and the expansion of port infrastructure for oil and meal further transformed the market structure.

Production sunflower-seed oilcake in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Russia maintained its position as the world's second-largest producer of sunflower-seed oilcake by volume.

Top producers of sunflower-seed oilcake, 2018-2021

World map of production of sunflower-seed oilcake, 2018-2021

Following two years of growth, Russia's sunflower-seed oilcake production declined. In 2021, the country produced 4 702 K t, representing a significant drop of 13.2% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production increased by 8.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 2.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 5 416 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 11.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports sunflower-seed oilcake from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

After two consecutive years of growth, Russia's sunflower-seed oilcake exports decreased. In 2021, export volume stood at 1 711 K t, showing a moderate reduction of 9.6% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 47.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.8%. The peak export volume was recorded in 2020 at 1 893 K t, and the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 57.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

During the 2018-2021 period, Turkey, Latvia, and Belarus consistently served as the three largest markets for Russia's sunflower-seed oilcake exports in kind, collectively accounting for 63.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Russia's sunflower-seed oilcake exports in value terms grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 474.1 M $ US, representing a 30.8% increase over the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, export value rose by 110.3%, averaging an annual growth rate of 28.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Turkey (26.2% of export value), Latvia (24.1%), and Belarus (13.0%) formed the primary group of destinations for Russia's sunflower-seed oilcake exports in value terms, together accounting for 63.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports sunflower-seed oilcake to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

The market experienced notable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2019 at 6 K t and peaked in 2018, showing a 5.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, foreign sunflower-seed oilcake supplies to Russia amounted to 14 K t, marking a sharp decline of 51.3% from 2020. The largest annual decrease occurred in 2019 at 83.2%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 344.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Ukraine and Kazakhstan dominated Russia's sunflower-seed oilcake imports in kind, together representing 99.7% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Imports reached their minimum in 2019 at 1.3 M $ US and peaked in 2018, with a 4.1-fold gap between these years. In 2021, sunflower-seed oilcake import volumes to Russia stood at 3.1 M $ US, indicating a decline of 27.2% compared to the previous year. The largest annual decrease occurred in 2019 at 75.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 221.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

During 2018-2021, Kazakhstan and Ukraine remained the principal markets for Russia's sunflower-seed oilcake imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 99.2% of total import flows, with other partners making up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021