- Export Growth: Russian rapeseed oil exports reached 1.4 million tons in Jan–Nov 2025 (+29% y/y), with export value rising 45% to $1.4 billion.
- China Demand: China accounts for 88% of Russian rapeseed oil export value, importing over $1.2 billion during the period.
- Global Ranking: Russia remains the world’s second-largest rapeseed oil exporter behind Canada, ahead of Germany in physical volumes.
- Below Peak Levels: Current 2025 export volumes are still slightly below the 2023 record of 1.6 million tons valued at $1.6 billion.
- Market Sentiment: Neutral to bullish, supported by higher prices and sustained trade flows despite concentration risk in Chinese demand.
Russia Rapeseed Oil Export Performance
Russia consolidated its position as the world’s second-largest rapeseed oil exporter in 2025, shipping over 1.4 million tons to foreign markets in January–November. According to the Federal Center for Agroexport at the Russian Ministry of Agriculture, this represents a 29% increase in export volumes year-on-year, while the total export value climbed 45% to $1.4 billion.
China remains the dominant buyer, absorbing more than $1.2 billion worth of Russian rapeseed oil and accounting for 88% of total export value. Other key destinations include Iran, Norway, Tunisia, and Latvia, though their combined share remains comparatively small. On the global stage, Canada retains the top exporter position with over 2.3 million tons shipped in the first nine months of 2025, while Germany trails Russia in physical export volumes.
Historical Comparison and Global Context
Despite the strong year-on-year recovery, 2025 export volumes have not yet surpassed the 2023 peak, when Russian rapeseed oil shipments reached about 1.6 million tons valued at $1.6 billion. The current performance reflects resilient external demand but also suggests some lingering constraints compared with the historical high.
| Metric | Period | Volume (million tons) | Value (USD billion) | Y/Y Change (Volume) | Y/Y Change (Value) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russia rapeseed oil exports | Jan–Nov 2025 | 1.4 | 1.4 | +29% | +45% |
| Russia rapeseed oil exports (peak) | Full year 2023 | 1.6 | 1.6 | – | – |
| Canada rapeseed oil exports | Jan–Sep 2025 | 2.3+ | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| China share of Russian exports (by value) | Jan–Nov 2025 | n/a | 1.2+ | 88% share | 88% share |
Market Analysis and Sentiment
The 45% increase in export value versus a 29% rise in volumes indicates firmer pricing for Russian rapeseed oil, pointing to either stronger global demand or tighter supply from competing origins. China’s overwhelming 88% share underscores a high degree of concentration risk for Russian exporters, but it also reflects entrenched trade relationships and efficient logistics into this core market.
For Black Sea logistics and freight operators, the continued flow of rapeseed oil toward both China and a set of smaller destinations (Iran, Norway, Tunisia, Latvia) supports steady demand for tanker capacity. However, the fact that 2025 exports have not yet exceeded the 2023 peak suggests some ongoing constraints, whether in production, infrastructure, or external demand. Overall market sentiment for Russian rapeseed oil trade flows remains neutral to bullish, supported by higher prices and stable export volumes.
Source: Market Data
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