- Exports surge: Russian rapeseed oil exports jumped 37% in 2025 to 1.58 million tons, with revenue up 54% to over $1.6 billion.
- China dominates demand: China took 90% of Russian rapeseed oil exports (1.4 million tons), 6.5x higher than 2019 levels.
- New markets emerging: Iran, North Korea, Morocco, Mauritius, and India expanded or resumed imports, diversifying Russia’s export base.
- Industry leaders benefit: Sodruzhestvo’s rapeseed oil exports rose over 30%, generating $400+ million, with rapeseed meal exports above $100 million.
- Growth outlook: Officials project 20–25% further export growth in 2026, backed by record harvests but tempered by weaker processor margins.
Russia’s Rapeseed Oil Export Performance in 2025
Russia recorded its second-largest rapeseed oil export volume on record in 2025, shipping 1.58 million tons and generating more than $1.6 billion in revenue. This represented a 37% year-on-year increase in physical exports and a 54% rise in export value, underscoring strong demand and supportive pricing in the Black Sea rapeseed complex. The performance narrowly trailed the 2023 record of around 1.6 million tons.
China’s Growing Dominance and Geographic Diversification
China further consolidated its role as the key outlet for Russian rapeseed oil, importing 1.4 million tons in 2025 and accounting for roughly 90% of total shipments. This reflects a dramatic shift from 2019, when China’s share was just 32%, and highlights a 6.5-fold increase in its intake over that period. The 37% annual increase in 2025 alone points to resilient Chinese demand for Black Sea vegetable oils.
At the same time, Russia broadened its export geography. Iran emerged as the second-largest importer, more than tripling its purchases and surpassing Latvia. Norway raised its imports by 26%, retaining third position among buyers. New destinations appeared in 2025, including North Korea (314 tons), Morocco (8,000 tons), and Mauritius (45 tons). Russia also resumed shipments to India (12,000 tons) for the first time since 2017, signaling renewed commercial engagement in South Asia.
Exporter Performance and Industry Structure
Sodruzhestvo Group, one of Russia’s leading oilseed processors and exporters, expanded its rapeseed oil shipments by more than 30% in 2025. The company generated over $400 million from rapeseed oil exports alone, while its rapeseed meal exports exceeded $100 million. This performance underscores the growing importance of value-added processing and byproduct trade within Russia’s oilseed sector.
Production Trends and 2026 Outlook
According to Ilya Ilyushin, Head of the Federal Center for Agroexport, rapeseed production in Russia has expanded at an average annual rate of 23% over the past six years. This sustained growth has positioned Russia as the world’s second-largest rapeseed oil exporter. On the back of a record rapeseed harvest and ongoing investments in crushing capacity, Mikhail Maltsev, Executive Director of the Russian Oil and Fat Union, projects export growth of 20–25% in 2026.
However, Maltsev notes that processors are currently facing compressed margins, which may temper the pace of expansion. While supply-side fundamentals remain strong, profitability constraints could influence processing utilization rates and export pricing strategies over the coming year.
Market Analysis: Implications for Black Sea Rapeseed Oil
The combination of rapid production growth and rising processing capacity is structurally bullish for Black Sea rapeseed oil supply. Continued expansion in 2026, supported by a record harvest, should ensure ample exportable volumes. The heavy dependence on China—now absorbing 90% of Russian exports—offers a stable core demand base but introduces concentration risk: changes in Chinese crush margins, import policies, or broader macro conditions could quickly alter trade flows.
New and expanding markets in Iran, North Africa, and other Asian countries help diversify demand and may provide a floor for prices if Chinese buying slows. Traders and market participants should closely monitor Chinese import dynamics, Black Sea logistics, and processor margin trends, as these factors will be critical for pricing and flow patterns in the 2026 marketing year.
| Metric | 2025 Value | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| Total Russian rapeseed oil exports | 1.58 million tons | +37% |
| Export revenue from rapeseed oil | >$1.6 billion | +54% |
| China’s import volume | 1.4 million tons | +37% (vs. 2024) |
| China’s share of Russian exports | 90% | Up from 32% in 2019 |
| Projected export growth for 2026 | — | +20–25% (forecast) |
| Sodruzhestvo rapeseed oil export revenue | >$400 million | >30% volume growth |
| Sodruzhestvo rapeseed meal export revenue | >$100 million | n/a |
Source: Market Data
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