- Production Surge: Large Uzbek enterprises produced 185,100 tons of refined vegetable oil in Jan–Nov 2025, a 29.2% year-on-year increase.
- Capacity Expansion: The sector now includes 85 large oil and fat processing facilities, underscoring sustained industrial growth.
- Demand Shift: Domestic consumption is set to rise, with consumers increasingly favoring non-traditional vegetable oil varieties.
- Trade Impact: Neutral to slightly bearish for Black Sea sunflower oil exporters as Uzbekistan reduces reliance on imports.
Uzbekistan Vegetable Oil Production Update
Uzbekistan’s large-scale producers manufactured 185,100 tons of refined vegetable oil between January and November 2025, according to the National Statistics Committee. This marks a strong 29.2% increase compared with the same period in 2024, highlighting robust expansion in the domestic refining sector.
The industry currently comprises 85 large oil and fat processing enterprises. This growing capacity positions Uzbekistan as an increasingly self-sufficient player in vegetable oil processing, with scope for further output gains as facilities optimize utilization rates and invest in new technologies.
Key Production Metrics
| Indicator | Jan–Nov 2024 | Jan–Nov 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refined vegetable oil output (tons) | 143,200 | 185,100 | +29.2% |
| Number of large oil & fat enterprises (units) | n/a | 85 | Expansion of processing base |
Market Dynamics and Consumption Trends
Market analysts expect domestic vegetable oil consumption in Uzbekistan to continue growing, driven by population dynamics, income growth, and food industry demand. A notable shift is emerging in consumer preferences toward less traditional vegetable oil types, suggesting rising interest in differentiated and specialty products beyond conventional oils.
This evolving demand profile may incentivize processors to diversify their product mix, potentially including premium or value-added oil categories. Over time, such diversification could further deepen domestic processing margins and reduce the need for imported refined oils.
Impact on Black Sea Sunflower Oil Exports
The expansion of Uzbekistan’s refining capacity and the 29% increase in vegetable oil production are neutral to slightly bearish for Black Sea sunflower oil exporters, particularly suppliers from Russia and Ukraine. As Uzbekistan strengthens its own oilseed crushing and refining capabilities, its dependence on imported vegetable oil is likely to decline.
While the growing interest in less traditional oils could create niche opportunities for specialty sunflower oil products, the broader trajectory points to tightening demand for bulk sunflower oil imports into Central Asia. Exporters in the Black Sea region should closely monitor whether Uzbekistan’s production growth is sustained, as this may gradually erode established export channels and require strategic market diversification.
Source: Market Data
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