Russian Rapeseed Oil Exports Surge 33% in 2025, China Dominates Purchases
- Export Growth: Russian rapeseed oil exports rose 33% year-on-year to 106,400 tons in 2025, up from 79,800 tons in 2024.
- China’s Dominance: China purchased 76,600 tons, accounting for 72% of total Russian rapeseed oil exports.
- Market Diversification: Exports reached 18 countries, with Tunisia and India taking second and third positions.
- Quality Control: Novorossiysk quality center tested 1.4 million tons of vegetable oils under strict Customs Union food safety regulations.
- Market Impact: The trend is neutral to mildly bullish for Black Sea rapeseed values and Russian crushing margins into the 2026 crop.
Rapeseed Oil Export Performance
Russia’s rapeseed oil export performance strengthened notably in 2025, with total shipments climbing by one-third compared with 2024. Volumes reached 106,400 tons, up from 79,800 tons the prior year, underscoring increased demand for Black Sea-origin vegetable oils, particularly across Asian markets.
The Novorossiysk branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Center for Quality Assurance of the APK" played a central role in export flows, testing around 1.4 million tons of vegetable oils destined for 18 countries. This testing infrastructure underpins Russia’s ability to compete in quality-sensitive markets.
Destination Structure and Market Focus
Rapeseed oil exports in 2025 were heavily concentrated in Asia, with China emerging as the key buyer. Chinese purchases totaled 76,600 tons, representing 72% of Russia’s total rapeseed oil exports. Tunisia was the second-largest destination with 18% of volumes, while India captured 9.4% of shipments.
| Product / Metric | 2024 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapeseed oil exports (total, tons) | 79,800 | 106,400 | +33% |
| Rapeseed oil exports to China (tons) | n/a | 76,600 | 72% of 2025 total |
| Rapeseed oil exports to Tunisia (% of total) | n/a | 18% | Second-largest buyer |
| Rapeseed oil exports to India (% of total) | n/a | 9.4% | Third-largest buyer |
| Vegetable oils tested at Novorossiysk (all types, tons) | n/a | 1,400,000 | Exports to 18 countries |
The sharp concentration in China underscores strong commercial ties and reliable quality perceptions of Russian rapeseed oil. At the same time, participation from Tunisia and India, along with smaller buyers across 18 markets, provides some diversification benefit and reduces single-buyer risk.
Quality and Regulatory Framework
All rapeseed oil export consignments were tested under Customs Union technical regulations TR 021/2011 "On Food Safety" and TR 024/2011 "Technical Regulations for Oil and Fat Products." The testing regime covered toxic elements such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury, alongside radionuclide and GMO monitoring.
Acid number remained a critical quality indicator, used to evaluate storage and transportation suitability. Robust quality oversight at Novorossiysk enhances Russia’s capacity to serve premium and regulation-intensive markets, especially in Asia and the Middle East.
Sunflower and Soybean Oil Export Overview
Beyond rapeseed oil, the Novorossiysk facility tested 1.3 million tons of sunflower oil and 42,700 tons of soybean oil in 2025. Sunflower oil shipments were largely directed to Turkey, India, and Iran, while soybean oil exports were primarily absorbed by India.
| Commodity | Destination | Volume Tested / Exported (tons) | Share of Commodity Exports |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunflower oil | Total (all destinations) | 1,300,000 | n/a |
| Sunflower oil | Turkey | 436,900 | Key destination |
| Sunflower oil | India | 383,000 | Key destination |
| Sunflower oil | Iran | 286,600 | Key destination |
| Soybean oil | Total (all destinations) | 42,700 | 100% |
| Soybean oil | India | 40,900 | 96% of soybean oil exports |
This export structure highlights India’s strong role in absorbing Russian sunflower and soybean oil, complementing China’s dominance in rapeseed oil. The multi-commodity export base enhances utilization of crushing capacity and mitigates single-commodity exposure.
Market Impact and Outlook
The 33% rise in rapeseed oil exports reinforces Russia’s growing presence in Asian vegetable oil markets. China’s 72% share implies stable offtake and established trade flows from Black Sea ports, while exports to 18 countries offer some geographic diversification.
Strengthened quality control and testing infrastructure at Novorossiysk supports continued growth and competitiveness against other origins. Overall, the development is assessed as neutral to mildly bullish for Black Sea rapeseed values, with potential to support domestic crushing margins and seed prices into the 2026 crop cycle.
Source: Market Data
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