- Export Growth: Russian oilseed exports reached 1.5 million tons in September–December 2025, up 36% year-on-year.
- Flaxseed Strength: Flaxseed led the complex at 670,000 tons (+39%), with China and Belarus as key outlets.
- Diversified Demand: Sunflower oil shipments hit 1.44 million tons, driven by India, Turkey, and Belarus.
- Freight Tailwind: Higher flows support sustained demand and potentially firmer rates for Black Sea freight into Q1 2026.
Russian Oilseed Export Performance (Sep–Dec 2025/26)
| Commodity | Export Volume (tons) | Year-on-Year Change | Key Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flaxseed | 670,000 | +39% | China (495,000), Belarus (49,000) |
| Rapeseed | 390,000 | +30% | Belarus (nearly all) |
| Soybeans | 295,000 | +50% | China (principal buyer) |
| Sunflower seed | 115,000 | +38% | EAEU states (>87%) |
| Total oilseeds | 1,500,000 | +36% | China, Belarus, EAEU |
Russian Vegetable Oil Exports (Sep–Dec 2025/26)
| Commodity | Export Volume (tons) | Key Destinations |
|---|---|---|
| Sunflower oil | 1,440,000 | India (479,000), Turkey (300,000), Belarus (140,000) |
| Total vegetable oils | 2,280,000 | Broad mix of importers |
Market Update
Russian oilseed exports posted strong gains in the first four months of the 2025/26 marketing season. Total oilseed shipments reached 1.5 million tons in September–December 2025, a 36% increase versus the same period a year earlier, according to OleoScope analysts.
Flaxseed led the export complex at 670,000 tons, up 39% year-on-year, with China taking 495,000 tons and Belarus 49,000 tons. Rapeseed exports reached 390,000 tons, 30% above last season, with almost all volumes routed to Belarus. Soybean exports climbed to 295,000 tons, a 50% jump, with China emerging as the dominant buyer.
Sunflower seed exports totaled 115,000 tons, up 38% year-on-year, with more than 87% of volumes shipped to Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member countries. The oilseed trade was complemented by 2.28 million tons of vegetable oil exports over the same four-month period, including 1.44 million tons of sunflower oil. India imported 479,000 tons of Russian sunflower oil, Turkey 300,000 tons, and Belarus 140,000 tons.
Freight and Logistics Impact
Market Impact: Bullish for Black Sea Freight
The expansion in Russian oilseed and vegetable oil exports is supportive for Black Sea freight demand into Q1 2026. Larger flows toward China, India, Turkey, Belarus, and EAEU partners point to solid vessel utilization across both short-haul regional and longer-haul export routes.
Growing flaxseed and rapeseed movements toward Belarus and China underpin activity along rail and containerized corridors, while the 50% surge in soybean exports to China increases competition for vessel capacity on Far East routes. Combined with strong sunflower oil offtake from India and Turkey, these trends are likely to underpin freight rates for Panamax and Supramax tonnage originating from Black Sea terminals.
Source: Market Data
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